Empowering Voices, Bridging Worlds: The Potential of Photovoice for Empowerment, Reflection, and Connection in Diverse Societies

Carmen S. Lienen, Andrea Monika Frisch, Agostino Mazziotta and Anette Rohmann present and analyze the photo voice method as a tool to engage and empower people living in marginalized communities. Photo voice is a community-based action research method that allows clients to visually document their everyday lives, particularly with regards to community struggles over needs, issues and strategies aimed at practical solutions for the community. Regarding the third mission of social work, that is to address social inequality, social justice and social change, the authors argue that the method provides clients with a lifeworld orientation, promotes the development of social workers’ sensitivity to diversity, and strengthens the relationship between clients and providers.