EMPODERAMENTO: INSTRUMENTO DE EMANCIPA O SOCIAL? – UMA DISCUSS O CONCEITUAL

This article examines the empowerment category discussing the different concepts reviewed by the literature insofar as the aimed objectives and of the logics underlying them. In order to archive this objective, a study of theoretic nature is developed, based upon the analysis of empirical research, reports seeking empowering actions, as well as specifc studies about this concept. Thus it situates historically the origin of the concept and identifies different perspectives of empowering, questioning to which projects they serve. It presents the understanding of this concept based on the work of Paulo Freire, expliciting the conception of critical education that it presides and the principles that guide it.