1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The present study is the second part of a larger project realized among disadvantaged single mothers invested in Toward Success, a three-month community-based program that aims to enhance their social inclusion, parenting, and coping skills. […] The second part of this study now explores how the participants experienced the Photovoice project, how the use of this methodology may have impacted their experience of the program they were completing at the time, and how it may have contributed to their experience of empowerment.» (p. 4)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«Two central questions guided this inquiry: 1. What are the impacts of using Photovoice in the context of participants completing a community program, such as Toward Success? 2. How does Photovoice foster these impacts?» (p. 4)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«Six single mothers took part in this study (mean age=38). More than half (n=4) were natives of Gatineau (Quebec, Canada), with an average of less than 2 children each under 14 years old, lived in a disadvantaged socioeconomic situation with an annual income of less than $14,999, received social assistance and reported problems with child protection services, and/or experienced domestic violence and/or abuse of drugs/alcohol.» (p. 4)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«In conclusion, this study explored how disadvantaged single mothers experienced a Photovoice project, and how the use of this methodology impacted their participation in the program Toward Success. It was found that the Photovoice technique acted as a catalyst bringing impacts ranging from an increased sense of accomplishment to a deeper understanding of the reality of participants’ daily lives. In turn, those impacts influenced participants’ journeys while completing the program Toward Success in that they developed a more nuanced and empowering perception of themselves and their lives. Examining the relationships between innovative methodologies such as Photovoice and participants’ enhanced competencies and empowerment reminds researchers to be mindful when conceptualizing and selecting a research design and/or methodology. Indeed, research can act as an intervention and serve the communities that take part. In doing so, researchers can support community empowerment by focusing on participants’ strengths, as well as their challenges, and by helping communities find adaptive and relevant solutions to their own difficulties.» (p. 14)