Using Participatory Visual Methods in Feminist Research on Gender-Based Violence
Unanticipated Challenges and Ethical Concerns
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24020652 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Busra Yalcinoz-Ucan (0000-0002-8335-6779, University of Stavanger, corresponding author), Anil O Ustunel (0000-0002-1983-6372, Istanbul Bilgi University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-08-05 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Feminism & Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0959-3535 • E-ISSN: 1461-7161 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/09593535261474947 |
| OpenAlex | W7172505426 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 40 |
In this article, we reflect on the processes of engaging with participatory visual methods in the context of two feminist research projects on gender-based violence (GBV): a digital storytelling project with migrant survivors in Norway and a photovoice project on sexual violence prevention with emerging adults in Türkiye. Despite the previously highlighted benefits of participatory visual methods as accessible, inclusive, empowering, and transformative approaches with the potential to bridge the gap between research and intervention, our engagement with these methods revealed significant challenges, risks, and barriers to this potential. Our journeys with these methods led us to reflexively think through the ethical issues associated with voice, visibility, representation, aesthetics, and their emotional impacts. The struggles we encountered raised doubts about the applicability of participatory visual methods to feminist GBV research and led us to argue for a more situated understanding of how, when, and with whom these methodologies work effectively and fulfill their promise. While we believe that participatory visual methods offer powerful strategies for mobilizing change and exposing the lived aspects of gender-based oppression and inequalities, we advocate for a contextualized understanding of their risks and limitations in feminist research, and for making adjustments accordingly.
Citizen journalism · Context (archaeology) · Oppression · Participatory action research · Photovoice · Situated · Transformative learning · Visual methods · Visual research · Digital Storytelling and Education · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
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| Highly cited | No |
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