WHAT IS PHOTOVOICE?
A Form of Participatory Action Research
Photovoice is a participatory method that utilizes participant photography and group discussion to promote social action (Wang & Burris, 1997). Projects are designed to center participant knowledge, interests, and experience. Community psychologists have used photovoice to give voice to perspectives historically left out of the literature and promote civic engagement (Pruit et al., 2018; Foster-Fishman et al., 2010). Online photovoice projects have been used to enhance learning and build a sense of community in virtual classes (Edwards et al., 2012; Perry, 2006). Researchers exploring the use of photovoice online found it to be an empowering process, with the majority of participants reporting they felt heard and safe (Lichty et al., 2019). Arts-based approaches offer participants a different way of expression and knowing and can serve as a vehicle for organizing and empowerment (Thomas & Mulvey, 2008).
Further Reading
Edwards, M., Perry, B., Janzen, K., & Menzies, C. (2012). Using the artistic pedagogical technology of Photovoice to promote interaction in the online post-secondary classroom: The students' perspective. Electronic Journal of E-learning, 10(1), 32-43.
Foster-Fishman, P. G., Law, K. M., Lichty, L. F., & Aoun, C. (2010). Youth ReACT for social change: A method for youth participatory action research. American Journal of Community Psychology, 46(1-2), 67-83.
Lichty, L., Kornbluh, M., Mortensen, J., & Foster-Fishman, P. (2019). Claiming online space for empowering methods: Taking Photovoice to scale online. Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice: Promoting Community Practice for Social Benefit, 10(3).
Perry, B. (2006). Using photographic images as an interactive online teaching strategy. The Internet and Higher Education, 9(3), 229-240.
Pruitt, A. S., Barile, J. P., Ogawa, T. Y., Peralta, N., Bugg, R., Lau, J., & Mori, V. (2018). Housing first and photovoice: Transforming lives, communities, and systems. American Journal of Community Psychology, 61(1-2), 104-117.
Thomas, E., & Mulvey, A. (2008). Using the arts in teaching and learning: Building student capacity for community-based work in health psychology. Journal of Health Psychology, 13(2), 239-250.
Wang, C., & Burris, M. A. (1997). Photovoice: Concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessment. Health Education & Behavior, 24(3), 369-387.