Photo-voice, i.e. emotions and experiences expressed in images
The project involved six parents experiencing care and upbringing problems – at risk of having their children taken away from them, whose children have been taken away and who tried to get them back from foster care institutions, as well as those who have succeeded. The researcher worked with the project participants using a method known as photo-voice ‒ the study subjects took photographs from their own lives and told stories illustrating their experiences. The photos played the role of 'communication bridges' thanks to which parents could share their experiences.
The research started in March 2022. Its objective was to identify and communicate the meanings that the socially disadvantaged parents give to their lives and to formulate proposals for methodical actions oriented towards empowerment and subjectivity using visual tools in the field of social work with families.
– says Dr Izabela Kamińska-Jatczak
More about the project: #UniLodz IDUB: Photo-Voice, i.e. Emotions and Experiences Expressed in Pictures
The project was inspired by participatory art-based research in action using tools belonging to the world of art, such as photography or audio-visual image, as well as the conviction of the need to create a 'new' type of heterogeneous research practice in the social sciences, creating spaces that interweave theory and practice and reach beyond the Academy to a wider audience.
– adds the researcher
Storytelling – involving the participants
The adopted participatory orientation assumed inviting parents to be co-creators of the activities, giving them a voice and not censoring their statements, being sensitive to conveying only what the participants really want to express. It is about involving them in the decision-making process at every stage of the performed activities, enabling them to participate in all the undertaken activities, taking care of the process of collective work that has been started so that it respects the dignity and identity of the people involved and provides an opportunity for their empowerment.
As part of the exhibition, the participants created complementary visual and textual statements, photographs and fragments of stories from their lives. Word clouds containing key words selected by the participants and extracted from the transcriptions of their recorded statements were also created. The exhibition participants could also watch storytelling-based footage of the project participants.
Statements by the project participants who were present at the exhibition:
Finally, we were able to give our voice, show that we – the socially excluded – also feel and have dreams, that we simply want to live with dignity. If the system works for us, we will be open to it.
When I was entering the building where the exhibition was held, I was accompanied by emotions that are hard to describe ‒ I couldn't believe it was really happening. I have been waiting for this day for a long time. It was an important moment in my life to be able to participate in this project and show my story. When I saw the exhibition, I was very pleased with the effect ‒ Wow. There were tears while watching the film because it was very emotional. However, this grand finale is just the beginning of something that may happen in a while. During the discussion panel, when it was mentioned that one of the study participants had almost had his children taken away, tears appeared in my eyes again, because I knew very well who it was.
Systemic barriers – discussion panel
The exhibition was attended by the representatives of support institutions, foster care management, the judiciary, those dealing with social housing issues, NGOs related to family support, empowerment as well as by the representatives of academic community. There was a discussion panel with the researcher in charge of the project, one of the participants and representatives of the institutions. The issue of systemic barriers faced by vulnerable parents was addressed.
(Photo: Dr Monika Wojtczak, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Lodz)
The exhibition can be seen until 3 March on the third floor of the Urban Activity Factory (10 Tuwima Street) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Photo report from the exhibition opening
"Let's Open All Doors" – counteracting social exclusion
In connection with the celebrations of the World Day of Social Justice, the Urban Activity Factory hosted events on justice and equality throughout the week (20-24 February). On Tuesday, the leading theme was the issue of youth exclusion. Students from the University of Lodz, during the panel "Niepokonani", talked about taking their first steps on the academic path, their pursuit of goals and the opportunities that the University of Lodz offers to high school students and students.
The discussion participants included: Aga Becherka (UniLodz ambassador), Bartłomiej Rosiak (UL student and the youngest teacher in Poland) and Jarosław Brodecki (UniLodz ambassador in the first edition of the programme). The conversation was moderated by Stanislaw Roszczyk (UniLodz ambassador)
The other days focused on seniors ("Nie liczę godzin i lat"), people with disabilities ("Pełni pasji – sięgnijmy po więcej – o niepełnosprawności INACZEJ") and depression ("Oblicza depresji wśród dzieci i młodzieży"). The week is closed with the 'Living Library' initiative, i.e. personal interviews with people representing groups experiencing stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.
Source: Dr Izabela Kamińska-Jatczak, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Lodz
Edit: Iwona Ptaszek-Zielińska, Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz, Photos: Bartosz Kalużny (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
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