Advocacy vs Self-Advocacy
Advocacy and self-advocacy are two terms that are often misunderstood, so this article aims to clarify their meanings and differentiate between them. Advocacy involves supporting others in expressing their views, defending their rights, and helping them access services that may otherwise be denied. In contrast, self-advocacy refers to an individual standing up for their rights, voicing their opinions, and representing themselves. Advocacy can take various forms, with self-advocacy being just one of them. The main difference between advocacy and self-advocacy is that advocacy involves representing another person or speaking on their behalf, while self-advocacy involves the person speaking for themselves and representing their own interests.
Key Takeaways
- Advocacy is about supporting others in expressing their views and defending their rights, while self-advocacy involves an individual standing up for their own rights and voicing their opinions.
- There are different forms of advocacy, including self-advocacy, individual advocacy, system advocacy, citizen advocacy, and parent advocacy.
- The main difference between advocacy and self-advocacy is that advocacy requires another individual to be an advocate, while in self-advocacy, the person themselves becomes the advocate, giving them the power to take control of their life and stand up for their rights, interests, and opinions.
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy can be defined as acting on behalf of another person. In society, some people are vulnerable for various reasons, such as mental or physical disabilities that require assistance with daily activities. These individuals can sometimes be isolated and denied equal rights. Advocacy involves helping people voice their opinions and stand up for their rights, taking an active role in supporting them and being considerate of their needs.
There are different forms of advocacy, including self-advocacy, individual advocacy, system advocacy, citizen advocacy, and parent advocacy. Advocates may sometimes need to make decisions on behalf of those they represent. For example, if a person has a mental disability, certain life decisions may need to be made for them by an advocate. In such cases, dilemmas may arise between what the person wants and what the advocate believes is best for them. However, the primary goal of advocacy is always to prioritize the welfare of the vulnerable individual, as they may be mistreated in society.
What is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy involves individuals representing themselves, standing up for their rights, voicing their opinions, and making decisions for which they are accountable. However, self-advocacy can sometimes have negative outcomes for vulnerable individuals, as they may be ridiculed or discriminated against for speaking up. In self-advocacy, decisions are made by the individual based on their understanding of what is best for them. This can have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it allows the person to make choices without external influence or pressure, but on the other hand, it can be harmful if the person is not aware of what is best for them. In the modern world, there are many self-advocacy movements that aim to empower people with disabilities, preventing them from being marginalized and isolated by society. These movements create forums for individuals to take control of their lives and make their own decisions.
What is the difference between Advocacy and Self-Advocacy?
The main differences between advocacy and self-advocacy are as follows.
• Advocacy involves representing another person or standing up for their rights, particularly for vulnerable or disabled individuals, while self-advocacy involves the person representing themselves and taking the initiative to stand up for their own rights.
• The primary difference is that advocacy requires another individual to be an advocate, while self-advocacy involves the person themselves becoming the advocate, giving them the power to take control of their life and stand up for their rights, interests, and opinions.
