Enablers in Family and Society and How They Suffer: Positive Versus Negative Enablers

The meaning of the word enabler in family and society depends upon the positive or negative context in which it is used. Understanding what an enabler is, and how enablers function can give an appreciation of the enabler’s role in families and societies, in general.

What is an enabler?

Dictionary.com suggests that the word enable means “to supply with the means, knowledge, or opportunity” or “make able”, become “feasible” or “possible”. With respect to law, it means “to give legal power, capacity, or sanction to”, or in other contexts may signify “to make operational” or “activate”.

An enabler, in any of the above contexts is positive in nature and should not cause family members or society to experience suffering, although that can happen.

For example, consider the plight of a single, self-sacrificing mother, an enabler who suffers silently, as she works to feed and clothe her children. An elderly, partially crippled man volunteers his time teaching youth carving skills to keep them busy and off the streets. A disabled young man or woman participates in a strenuous charitable project to raise funds for medical research. Each one is an enabler, who may suffer at the same time.

Unfortunately, enablers can play a negative role in family scenarios, or in society, as well.

For example, parents suspecting their son is engaged in criminal drug activity become enablers, enabling him to continue, even against their better judgment, instead of seeking professional help and intervention for him. Inwardly, they suffer in silence.

On a larger scale, while city officials attempt to curb serious trafficking problems, the majority of citizens refuse to become involved, fearing for their own safety or that of their families. This enables others to shelter traffickers, who can cause senseless and needless suffering. Individuals, families and society can suffer, as there are consequences to the short and long-term of trafficking that is assisted or allowed by negative enablers.

Enablers can be or become those who enable others knowingly or unknowingly, to accomplish whatever. Enabling others can be individualistic or collective in nature.

Suffering on an individual level, in a family context or that of society, often happens because people consent to being enablers or find themselves victimized into becoming enablers. At times, suffering is predictable, but can also occur spontaneously or unexpectedly.

Positive, constructive and proactive motivation helps reduce the suffering caused by negative enablers. Encouraging others to be or become positive enablers is a good thing, but there should be community awareness of bullying into self-sacrificial acts. Communities normally have high aspirations and ideals particularly with regard to the future of their children. They respect those who are self-sacrificial. Volunteers may receive accolades from society. Note that there are support groups and various organizations that resist negative enablers and set a good example for others, by being positive enablers who prevent suffering.