GLANCES THAT AMPLIFY VOICES

EXPERIENCES OF PHOTOVOICE IN RESEARCH WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

 From a participatory research based on artistic-creative methods developed with a group of young people of 12 to 17 years old from a socially vulnerable community of Porto, a photographic approach was proposed in the process of research and intervention in the city. In this context, this article proposes a reflection and debate on the potential of the Photovoice method for understanding the multiple perspectives of the young participants on their reality, the way they relate to their communities and act within them. Based on the experiences of Photovoice, we also sought to identify opportunities and obstacles which these young people face to become involved and participate as citizens in the places where they live. The use of visual approaches in social research allowed for a better representation and characterisation of different social contexts and encouraged the participation of young people in the processes of research and critical and creative analysis of their reality. This article presents the results produced within the scope of this participative research experience led by the group of young people, who revealed their desire to be seen, heard and considered in decision-making processes and in the presentation of proposals for improving their communities.