Photovoice: A Methodological Guide

ABSTRACTPhotovoice methodology has gained in popularity in the two decades since its inception by Caroline Wang and Mary Ann Burris in the early 1990s. As a participatory action research strategy, photovoice is typically used with marginalized populations that have been silenced in the political arena. Using ethnographic techniques that combine photography, critical dialogue, and experiential knowledge, participants reflect on and communicate their community's concerns to represent their culture, to expose social problems, and to ignite social change. Photovoice has been successfully used in the fields of education, disability studies, public health, and refugees, indicating its vast applicability. This methodology provides a culturally grounded and contextually situated site for reflection on visual images, associated meanings, and social action. Despite its increasing use as a research methodology, little information exists in the literature concerning how to implement a photovoice study. This article is not a how-to guide; rather, it draws heavily upon Wang and Burris's work as well as other studies to serve as a resource that details and outlines various ways to conduct a photovoice project. Drawing upon the author's work, this article also illustrates the complete research design of one photovoice study.KEYWORDS: photographic research methodologyparticipatory action researchwomen's empowermentfeminist methodologymicrofinance