engleski

Introducing double photovoice: developing qualitative methodology for researching children’s and adults’ perspectives on the childhood

Photovoice is ethnographic method in which participants combine the narratives and photos for the purpose of describing, explaining and voicing about own experiences and perspectives. Often, photovoice is used as a tool for voicing about problems such as poverty, illness and social exclusion, yet rarely is used as technique for developing better understanding between different social groups. Therefore, during September and October 2018 pilot study on double photovoice has been conducted. Double photovoice, as research novelty, has its stronghold in Bronfenbrenner’s Theory of ecological systems of child development. Pilot study has been conducted in five counties in Croatia, involving 120 parents and their children age 4 to 7 (overall 240 participants). The main purpose of the pilot study on double photovoice is to find out whether there are differences in the perception of childhood between parents and their children, and if so, what are the main differences. During the period of two months, 240 participants made 240 photographs with 240 narratives about photos. The interpretive analysis of the narratives and photographs obtained in this pilot survey showed the presence of different perception and experiences of childhood. Majority of photographs (83%) taken by the children were taken outdoors, and only 17% were taken indoors. By the theme, children were taking photos of their favorite places for play (64%), followed by places they visited with other family members during walks (28%) and nature in generally (8%). Narrative analysis showed that favorite places for play were accompanied by the particular children’s names and stories with strong positive emotional context. Photos of places involved stories about previous visits and activities in that particular point, such as planting, biking etc. with other family members, from which the most mentioned are grandmothers. Nature was also present in children photos (flowers and trees) with clear description of colors and beauties, and children enjoyment in colors. Indoor photos were taken in children’s personal spaces (rooms or playing areas – 75%) and in malls (25%) suggesting that even in indoor spaces children search for playing areas and opportunities for play. Parents interpreted categories as nearly equipment for play, and without a clue why children are taking photos of nature or particular indoor place. Results suggested that double photovoice could be suitable ethnographic method for researching childhood and intergeneration understanding between children and adults, and as such need a further methodological development and implementation.

double photovoice, qualitative methodology, ethnography

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