Photovoice as knowledge mobilization
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Issue Date
2025-07-01
Editor
Authors
Morgenshtern, Marina
Schmid, Jeanette
Novotna, Gabriela
Subject
Abstract
This article was motivated by an awareness of the knowledge mobilization aspect of photovoice facilitating meaningful social change. Photovoice aims to platform excluded voices and alternative forms of knowledge through photographs. In this project, immigrants with a professional background articulated their experiences in finding work in their field in Canada, this leading to photo exhibitions and round table discussions with relevant stakeholders. To highlight knowledge activation and exchange and explore how knowledge mobilization might be bolstered, we use an example of a photovoice project involving skilled immigrants to Canada. Because photovoice is situated within Freirean and feminist approaches, we employ these lenses to understand opportunities in photovoice for knowledge mobilization. We establish that key mechanisms for deliberately extending photovoice into the realm of knowledge mobilization are deepening reflexion (conscious raising and conscientization); facilitating affirmation, legitimation, and validation through strengthening the processes of mutual exchange (relationality); building a common narrative that exposes structural forces impacting lived realities through critical dialogue (collective identification and collective action); and engaging those who hold power in further critical dialogue.
Description
This article was originally published as: Morgenshtern, M., Schmid, J., & Novotna, G. (2025). Photovoice as knowledge mobilization. Journal of Critical Research Methodologies, 1(2), 10-27.