Adapting participatory research methods for reflexive environmental management

Abstract

This article discusses methodological adaptations to participatory methods for reflexive environmental management. Reflexive approaches to research methods as process, this article contends, can elucidate social dynamics that standard sampling frames and rote procedures may elide. This argument is supported through a discussion of key insights from scholarship about participatory research methods, as well as auto-reflections on methodical adaptations undertaken while conducting photovoice research on environmental management in peri-urban villages of Southwest China. Reflexive adaptations to participatory methods discussed in this paper include ethnographic attention to forms of refusal, suspended participation, and individual interviews with and without visual aids. These methodological adaptations highlight relations of power between researchers and participants, as well as amongst participants. They also highlight diverse social needs and uneven environmental management processes. Although reflexive approaches to participatory methods are key to producing more widely representational findings and socially just sustainability practices, they are not a panacea for universal inclusivity. Reflexive methodological adaptations have their own limitations and introduce new power relations between participants and researchers. The article concludes with a discussion of how reflexive methodological adaptations bear on research praxis. In particular, the conclusion highlights how reflexive adaptations to research methods are crucial to socially just environmental management and sustainability practices.

Digitally dispersed, remotely engaged: Interrogating participation in virtual photovoice

“…The first photovoice group I planned dropped from three participants to two, to one, effectively becoming individual photovoice. Similar to Rodenbiker’s (2021) in-person photovoice study, nonparticipants’ ‘moments of refusal’, delayed/suspended participation in this study could be attributed to work and relational commitments. The Australia-wide COVID-19 restrictions and ‘work from home’ arrangements during the recruitment period possibly aggravated the stressors faced by nonparticipants, leading to their withdrawal.…”

“…Unlike in-person photovoice studies which often centre on place-based, small-scale communities with a common geography and situational identity (e.g. Wang, 1999; Rodenbiker, 2021), community in online photovoice is primarily affinity-based. Participants share certain characteristics – a profession (e.g.…”

Phygital rural cultural heritage: a digitalisation approach for destination recovery and resilience

“…This qualitative research study was developed based on reflexive and participatory approaches to understand the needs of stakeholders, which produces more widely representational findings and socially just sustainability practices (Rodenbiker, 2021). The project research design was progressively implemented across three stages of action, applying two research approaches.…”

“…The project research design was progressively implemented across three stages of action, applying two research approaches. The first approach involved participatory action research (PAR) (Kindon et al , 2007; Rodenbiker, 2021) with Sapphaya's tourism stakeholders, conducted between February 2020 and May 2021. In response to the evolving Covid-19 situation in Thailand, a second approach involving social media research, was conducted utilising netnography between July 2020 to 23 December 2021.…”

Social justice in China’s cities: Urban-rural restructuring and justice-oriented planning

“…This requires recognition before resettlement. In the context of China, an approach to resettlement planning with justice as the subject would develop a deep understanding of the experiences, preferences, and needs of people facing displacement through inclusive and reflexive planning processes (Rodenbiker, 2021b). Furthermore, approaching justice as the subject of planning doesn’t hold resettlement as the solution to a planning problem, but rather a new commitment by planners and the state to provide high quality infrastructure and social services.…”