2007 Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 56-75
The purpose of this study was to clarify the process of how a community becomes empowered. Data were collected by interviewing 8 core members who were involved in a movement for promotion of volunteer activities in M town, A Prefecture, and analyzed qualitatively. We identified the process of the emergent social interaction that involves core members in activities to solve problems in their community. The process had four components: (1) process of creating an understanding among community core members of the meaning of the problem, (2)role-making process as core members, (3) process of having things pointed out by themselves and (4) basis of an emergent social interaction. These four components are interrelated. It is suggested that the four components are closely associated with community empowerment and the practice of activities that are directed toward support of community empowerment. It is important for a professional to promote formation of these elements.
