Images and indicators: mixing participatory methods to build inclusive rigour

Abstract

Participatory methods seek to counter the extractive nature of mainstream research methods by putting control into the hands of research subjects. But participation itself does not guarantee against extraction. There is a tension between the desire for researcher-control and the prerogative of community action in participatory methods. How can researchers committed to participation manage this tension? In this paper, we draw on the concepts of “collaborative” and “action-oriented” participatory research to describe how integrating mixed-methodologies can help different research stakeholders attain desirable, fruitful and meaningful levels of ownership and build inclusive rigour. Drawing on our work with participatory indicators and photovoice with conflict affected communities in rural Colombia, we demonstrate how combining different kinds of participatory research methods—in this case, non-visual and visual research—creates opportunities to attend to the sometimes conflicting goals of robust research, policy change and community action. Under the broad umbrella of participatory research, collaborative approaches like participatory indicators and action-oriented approaches like photovoice complement and amplify each other in such settings, embracing complexity and catalyzing multiple ways of ‘knowing-for-action’. The result is participatory research that is attuned to the complexities of conflict-affected settings, inclusively rigorous and potentially transformative.

Rethinking rigour to embrace complexity in peacebuilding evaluation

“…A key motivation for combining the methods was to enhance participation, build community ownership and encourage action around EPI indicators (Fairey et al, 2022). Everyday Peace Indicators managed the design and bricolage of the EPI and photovoice components, thus decisions were based mostly on their methodological understanding and institutional priorities, and continues to explore the results of this pilot for bricolage application in their organisation.…”

“…Evaluative research conducted around the photovoice process in the first two communities revealed that the process supported healing, enabled intergenerational dialogue, built territorial identity and catalysed community peace actions (Fairey et al, 2022). Crucially, these community impacts emerged as the photovoice process built on existing community strengths and priorities as identified in the participatory indicator process.…”

“…In some cases, photos had to be presented in safe spaces instead of on the walls of schools, community centres or other buildings as was originally planned. In other cases, certain photos could not be put up at all in order to ensure protection of participants (Fairey et al, 2022). In the context of peacebuilding, navigating emergent risk through a participatory process is a key skill set that embedded evaluators need.…”

The Paradox of Justice: From Transitional to Everyday Justice

“…This is based on the premise that local communities are best placed to identify changes, needs, and priorities in their own circumstances, either alone or in conversation with experts. Indicator generation is sometimes accompanied by longitudinal surveys or qualitative assessments such as interviews or more participatory methods such as photovoice (Fairey, Firchow, and Dixon 2022).…”

Methodology for a time of eco-social planetary crisis: Action research helping transformations happen

“…In terms of practice we learn of encounters with animals who appear at our river encounters, with reflections on the veracity claims we are making. Fairey et al (2022) acknowledge the elemental need to work with stakeholders and they also problematize what can appear as a simple cure all. They point out that the sensemaking that drives participation can be extractive, a Modernist old wine in new bottles that carries over the extractive nature of mainstream research methods.…”