ln Pâttlal Futftllnant of Èhê - MSpace at the University of Manitoba

CHAPTER ONE
INlRODUCTION
Thi.s is a thesis on the theory and practice of empowernen!
with a view of what an enpowerment based planning practice might
look lj.ke should the planning profession choose to embrace
empowernent.¡ The desire to explore the afore mentioned
subject matter arose out of my personal ber.ief in t,he need for
nodern professions to pursue more egalit,arian modes of
operation, This personal belief is based on my underst,anding of
the sociaL ¿nd econonic framework i.n which planning, and the
other institutionalized seÊlments of this society, operate, It j.s
arso baged on ny knowredge of the groering dissatisfaction within
the pLanning profession in regards to the constraints imposed on
the profession ¿nd how they inpede the ebility of pl.ênnÍng to
adequately serve the real needs of the connunity.
THE PROBLEITI
The problen on which this thesis centers is the inêbility of
people, acting froo the doninant perspective, to adequat,eJ.y
address the full range of problens, ideas, and values which exist
within their lives. Under the current structure, the ¡¡oa,ls ênd
values attributed to the population are the goals and values
which parallel the interests of the soalLer Þortion of the
- rThe tern planning is used in reference to the planninÉl
profession and the fleld of plennÍng in general rathãr than to ê
particu.ì-ar type of planning such as land use or social planning.
while this thesis prtnarirv refers to inatiturio".rizãa'piä""ïii
underteken bv govern'ent' the Ídeas in this thesis .r. "ipii.Ãü-i.
to planning and planners in both the public ând private -sãctors
working in alL aspects and specialtieã of planniig.