Photovoice as Community Engaged Research: The Interplay between Knowledge Creation and Agency in a South African Study on Safety Promotion

Abstract

This article aims to describe Photovoice as a method and process of enacting community engaged research. The multi-dimensional nature of Photovoice is illustrated though a case application, focused on safety promotion in two South African low-income communities. Twenty youth, evenly distributed by gender and ranging in age from 13 to 15 years, were conveniently engaged as participants in the case application. In positioning ourselves as critical commentators, we employ the case application to illustrate the Photovoice process of engaging participants in observations and dialogue about their communities; creating a safe environment for critical reflection on current community realities; shifting participants towards action; and facilitating community change. Our critical reflections and descriptions of the processes and steps inherent to Photovoice highlight the value of a youth- and community-centred approach to research.