Political efficacy is a term used to represent an individual's perceived ability to participate in and influence the political system. It has been suggested that political efficacy is composed of two distinct components: internal and external political efficacy (Balch, 1974; McPherson, Miller, Welch, & Clark, 1977). The purpose of this article is to work toward an even broader and more precise conceptualization of political efficacy and its relationship to mobilization of people. Collective political efficacy is proposed as a third component in the political efficacy construct. Research findings presented in the article offer some exploratory information concerning the relationships of this new component with the other political efficacy components. The findings are from a research project that involved the creation of a Homeless Persons Union. In addition to examining relationships among the political efficacy components, findings revealing effects of the intervention are briefly described in order to examine further the role of political efficacy in relation to mobilization of people.
To conduct comprehensive treatment effectiveness studies, evaluators must frequently track, locate and interview service recipients long after program participation has ended. For some populations, this is an arduous task. But, despite wide variations in retention rates, the published literature from follow-up studies rarely provides information on their tracking, locating, or interviewing techniques. The present report concerns a 12-month follow-up study of individuals who were homeless and mentally ill, which achieved a remarkably high retention rate—over 70%. Quantitative information is presented on client characteristics related to locatability and agreement to be interviewed, as well as qualitative information on successful techniques, from a focus group session with research interviewers.Wealth of research studies has been carried out in the last 10 years to describe the everincreasing problem of homelessness in this country. Investigators agree that what are now needed are demonstrations of innovative services to individuals who are homeless, especially those with alcohol, drug, and mental health (ADM) problems, with rigorous research components (Dennis et al. 1991). Desirable outcomes of interventions should include stabilization of functioning, acquisition of permanent housing, and linkage to ongoing, community-based services to maintain positive gains.
Empowerment has emerged in recent years as a popular strategy for addressing social issues. A potential intervention approach for applied researchers interested in studying empowerment is participatory research (PR). PR is a theory and intervention approach for involving oppressed people in the study of and solutions to social problems. It is a strategy that works to transform social structure to benefit oppressed people. This article examines PR's contribution to a conceptualization of empowerment on both a theoretical and applied level. First, PR literature and its conceptualization of empowerment are described. Following this, PR is proposed as an intervention approach for applied researchers interested in studying empowerment. A case study involving the formation of a Homeless Persons Union is provided as an example of applied PR.
This article discusses Participatory Research (PR), an intervention approach that involves oppressed people in the analysis of and solutions to social problems. A case study is provided to illustrate the application of PR's principles and components. The project involved the creation of a Homeless Persons Union, whose purpose was to empower participants both individually and collectively in a political struggle against homelessness. PR is suggested as a useful approach for researchers and activists engaged in grassroots organizing.
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