Photovoice: A Critical Introduction
Year: 2020
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: In 1997 Wang and Burris published a seminal paper in which they elucidated a visual research methodology which has become widely known as ‘photovoice'. The qualitative method they outlined proposed that cameras should be given to people so that they could document their realities, engage in critical reflection, and advocate for change (Wang, 1999; Wang and Redwood-Jones, 2001). In their initial project with women in the Yunnan counties of Chenjang and Luliang in China, Wang and Burris argued that photographs could become powerful tools ‘to furnish evidence and to promote an effective, participatory means of sharing expertise and knowledge’ which could be utilised as potential catalysts for change within communities (1997: 369). They distinguished this method from ‘photo novella’ and ‘photonovel', which they had previously used to describe processes of using photographs or images in storytelling and educational literacy, and instead defined photovoice by its orientation to social change and critical dialogue with policymakers or those in positions of power (Wang and Burris, 1994; Wang et al., 1996). Photovoice, they suggested, was significantly different from ‘photo novella’ and enabled people to ‘identify, represent, and enhance their community through a specific photographic technique’ (Wang and Burris, 1997: 369). In the article, they outlined the three main goals of photovoice: 1) to enable people to record and reflect their community's strengths and concerns; 2) to promote critical dialogue and knowledge about important community issues through large and small group discussion of photographs; 3) to reach policymakers (Wang and Burris, 1997: 370).
Source: Sage eBooks
Authors: E-J Milne, Rachel Muir
Institutions: King's College London, University College London
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2894045652