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Cited by 5,551Participatory Visual Research MethodsCommunity Health and DevelopmentPhotography and Visual Culture

Photovoice: Concept, Methodology, and Use for Participatory Needs Assessment

Open access
Wang, Caroline, Burris, Mary Ann·1997·Health Education & Behavior
DOI 10.1177/109019819702400309
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Abstract

Photovoice is a process by which people can identify, represent, and enhance their community through a specific photographic technique. As a practice based in the production of knowledge, photovoice has three main goals: (1) to enable people to record and reflect their community's strengths and concerns, (2) to promote critical dialogue and knowledge about important issues through large and small group discussion of photographs, and (3) to reach policymakers. Applying photovoice to public health promotion, the authors describe the methodology and analyze its value for participatory needs assessment. They discuss the development of the photovoice concept, advantages and disadvantages, key elements, participatory analysis, materials and resources, and implications for practice.

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Crossref · 10.1177/109019819702400309

Cites

44 of 44 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Claims the paper makes

0 of 10 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    In Yunnan, village women sometimes brought cameras to the market, the water pump, the clinic, the rice paddy, the tobacco drying shed, the election hall, and the pharmacy.

    “The village women of Yunnan, for example, sometimes brought cameras to the market, the water pump, the clinic, the rice paddy, the tobacco drying shed, the election hall, and the pharmacy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning
    § DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT · p. 2

    The work of Chinese village women as visual anthropologists demonstrated that the opposite of learning through images made by men is possible.

    “the work of Chinese village women as visual anthropologists has demonstrated that the exact opposite is possible.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingcitation
    § Building Capacity for Action · p. 7

    Throughout the needs assessment, the group provided a formal forum for feedback, such as through slide shows in which people showed to policymakers what mattered in their daily lives and what needed to change.

    “Throughout the needs assessment, the group provided a formal forum for feedback, such as through slide shows in which people showed to policymakers what mattered in their daily lives and what needed to change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    As photographers, the women engaged in de facto self-censorship by deciding which actions would be appropriate to photograph and which would not.

    “as photographers, the women engaged in de facto self-censorship by deciding which actions would be appropriate to photograph and which would not.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning
    § Building Capacity for Action · p. 7

    In Yunnan, participants created the capacity for action by organizing the Provincial and County Guidance Group.

    “In Yunnan, participants created the capacity for action by organizing the Provincial and County Guidance Group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 70
  • May combine two claims. 39

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    In Yunnan, many village women were not formally educated; they were poor or had to work to help support their families, or their parents believed that schooling was less important for females.

    “many village women are not formally educated; they were poor or they had to work to help support their families or the parents believed that schooling was less important for females.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 7

    The use of tapes would have introduced a degree of excruciating self-consciousness for many village women, who also believed it was strange, if not suspicious, for anyone to think they had anything valuable to say.

    “the use of tapes would have introduced a degree of excruciating self-consciousness for many village women, who also believed it was strange, if not suspicious, for anyone to think they had anything valuable to say.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    As facilitators, the cadres and organizers asked women to photograph evidence of conditions and problems they would like to see changed, but they refrained from asking them to focus on the most politically sensitive topics.

    “As facilitators, the cadres and organizers asked women to photograph evidence of conditions and problems they would like to see changed, but they refrained from asking them to focus on the most politically sensitive topics.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    The village women's own explanations served to focus attention on women's status and health, to teach the community about the goals of the project, and to solicit people's feedback about the process.

    “Their own explanations served to focus attention on women's status and health, to teach the community about the goals of the project, and to solicit people's feedback about the process.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    In Yunnan, it was the cadres and peasants, not the project funders or consultants, who would face uncertain or unpredictable outcomes.

    “in Yunnan, it was the cadres and peasants, not the project funders or consultants, who would face uncertain or unpredictable outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    In Yunnan, village women were often asked by friends and neighbors why they were taking pictures.

    “In Yunnan, the village women were often asked by friends and neighbors why they were taking pictures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 7

    The Women's Federation possessed fewer resources than most of its government counterparts, but its cadres succeeded in getting the Bureau of Public Health to provide drivers and vehicles, which were crucial assets in the remote countryside.

    “The Women's Federation, a national organization that promotes women's well-being, possessed fewer resources than most of its government counterparts, but its cadres succeeded in getting the Bureau of Public Health to provide drivers and vehicles, which were crucial assets in the remote countryside.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § Adaptability · p. 6

    In the United States, photovoice is currently being used in separate projects with high school students and with village health workers.

    “in the United States, photovoice is currently being used in separate projects with high school students and with village health workers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 7

    Cooperation between such groups strengthened ties within and among institutions serving women.

    “Cooperation between such groups strengthened ties within and among institutions serving women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Building Capacity for Action · p. 7

    Guidance Group members were recruited from the leadership of virtually every sector of Chinese society that influences women's health.

    “Guidance Group members were recruited from the leadership of virtually every sector of Chinese society that influences women's health.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 5

    In Yunnan, village women photographed moments of loss and grief as well as those of celebration and strength, and elicited stories about the community's imagination, resources, and capabilities.

    “In Yunnan, the village women photographed moments of loss and grief as well as those of celebration and strength, and elicited stories about the community's imagination, resources, and capabilities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 7

    Some cadres had quietly expressed concern about whether photovoice was a foreign intelligence project.

    “some cadres had quietly expressed concern about whether photovoice was a foreign intelligence project”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 13

    The women's pictures and stories were not the only catalyst for change, but they helped to focus unprecedented attention on the problem of access to clean water.

    “The women's pictures and stories were not the only catalyst for change, but they helped to focus unprecedented attention on the problem.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning
    § MATERIALS AND RESOURCES · p. 15

    All the women in Yunnan chose to buy the cameras, and the money raised was donated to the local Women's Federation for community projects to benefit women.

    “All the women chose to buy the cameras, and the money raised was donated to the local Women's Federation for community projects to benefit women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The Ricoh YF-20 cameras were produced in Beijing through a joint venture with Japan, which eliminated the prohibitive import tax that might have been incurred by choosing a camera manufactured elsewhere.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    Chinese cadres have spent decades perfecting the practice of community organization, and members of the Women's Federation provided a dedicated infrastructure of insiders for developing and handling film and facilitating regular meetings.

    “Chinese cadres have spent decades perfecting the practice of community organization, and members of the Women's Federation provided a dedicated infrastructure of insiders for developing and handling film and facilitating regular meetings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    In Yunnan, photovoice did not differ notably from the other needs assessment techniques in what it uncovered; the difference was in the process used and its implications.

    “In Yunnan, photovoice did not differ notably from the other needs assessment techniques in what it uncovered; the difference, rather, was in the process that was used and the implications of that process.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    Women's Federation cadres who facilitated group discussions also took cameras in hand to document their perceptions.

    “Women's Federation cadres who facilitated group discussions also took cameras in hand to document their perceptions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § Participants · p. 9

    Among the 62 photographers, 50 women came from the Han Chinese majority nationality, and 12 were of Chinese ethnic minority nationality-10 Yi, 1 Hmong, and 1 Hui.

    “Among the 62 photographers, 50 women came from the Han Chinese majority nationality, and 12 were of Chinese ethnic minority nationality—10 Yi, 1 Hmong, and 1 Hui.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    In June 1992, some 53 women from Chengjiang and Luliang counties received intensive training in the techniques and process of photovoice.

    “In June 1992, some 53 women from Chengjiang and Luliang counties received intensive training in the techniques and process of photovoice.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    Chengjiang and Luliang Counties were each within a half day's drive of the provincial capital of Kunming.

    “Chengjiang and Luliang Counties were each within a half day's drive of the provincial capital of Kunming.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    Six months later, an additional 9 village women from Luliang County participated in photovoice training.

    “Six months later, an additional 9 village women from Luliang County participated in photovoice training.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given
    § MATERIALS AND RESOURCES · p. 16

    A number of Women's Federation cadres currently use the cameras for participatory evaluation.

    “In addition, a number of Women's Federation cadres currently use the cameras for participatory evaluation”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    In Yunnan, the village women lived in Little Dragon New Street Village, Pine Garden Grass Village, Big Dipper Wheat Field Village, and many other natural villages.

    “In Yunnan, the village women, themselves daughters of villagers, lived in Little Dragon New Street Village, Pine Garden Grass Village, Big Dipper Wheat Field Village, and many other ziran cun, or natural villages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE · p. 16

    In Yunnan, village women using photovoice documented that their major problems included lack of water, lack of transportation, and lack of child care.

    “But by using the photovoice method, the village women themselves documented the fact that their major problems included lack of water, lack of transportation, and lack of child care.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    The people's income in the two counties fell in the bottom quarter for the nation.

    “the people's income in the two counties fell in the bottom quarter for the nation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § MATERIALS AND RESOURCES · p. 15

    In Yunnan, participants took photographs home to elicit others' stories and feedback, and access to a videotape player or editing equipment was unnecessary.

    “In Yunnan, participants simply took photographs home to elicit others' stories and feedback; access to a videotape player or editing equipment was unnecessary.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Sturdy instamatics minimized mechanical difficulties.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    No two women came from the same natural village.

    “No two women came from the same natural village.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    The participating village women were supported by hundreds of people at the grassroots level-families, ministry chiefs, drivers, officials, schoolteachers, clinic doctors, and health workers.

    “The participating village women were supported by hundreds of people at the grassroots level—families, ministry chiefs, drivers, officials, schoolteachers, clinic doctors, and health workers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    Participants led group discussions, posed questions to one another, and encouraged one another to voice their opinions.

    “Participants led group discussions, posed questions to one another, and encouraged one another to voice their opinions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    Telephones, paved roads, and bicycle and motor transport were scarce in these remote regions, and tasks that are relatively simple in a city proved extremely difficult in the countryside.

    “Telephones, paved roads, and bicycle and motor transport were scarce in these remote regions, and tasks that are relatively simple to handle in a city—such as getting in touch with people, going to meetings, or photocopying a teaching plan—proved extremely difficult in the countryside.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    In Yunnan, outsider facilitators were public health workers who had lived and worked in China, were proficient in the local language, and had a commitment to improving women's health and social position through an adaptation of Freire's work.

    “In Yunnan, outsider facilitators were public health workers who had lived and worked in China, were proficient in the local language, and had a commitment to improving women's health and social position through an adaptation of Freire's work.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    By planning and implementing photovoice as an effort in successful large-scale community organizing, the cadres also strengthened their power, visibility, and capacity as local leaders.

    “By planning and implementing photovoice as an effort in successful large-scale community organizing, the cadres also strengthened their power, visibility, and capacity as local leaders.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    Insider or indigenous facilitators were township, county, and provincial Women's Federation cadres, including highly skilled teachers and community organizers.

    “Insider or indigenous facilitators were township, county, and provincial Women's Federation cadres, including highly skilled teachers and community organizers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning
    § MATERIALS AND RESOURCES · p. 15

    In Yunnan, village women and facilitators rejected the hierarchy of taste that values black-and-white images over color ones, preferring to buy bulk quantities of color Fuji film sold within the country.

    “In Yunnan, village women and facilitators rejected this hierarchy of taste, preferring to buy bulk quantities of color Fuji film sold within the country.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: In China, color photo labs were more accessible to township and county residents than black-and-white ones.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    All were full-time farmers.

    “All were full-time farmers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § Participants · p. 9

    County- and township-level Women's Federation cadres selected women who were representative of the range of age (18-56 years), marital status (single, married, and widowed), and income in the villages.

    “County- and township-level Women's Federation cadres selected women who were representative of the range of age (18-56 years), marital status (single, married, and widowed), and income in the villages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given
    § and Large Group Discussions · p. 11

    The majority of the pictures discussed in Yunnan were the people's own.

    “Though such historic images illustrated varied and powerful approaches to photography as a form of expression and offered some inspiration, the majority of the pictures discussed in Yunnan were the people's own.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § and Large Group Discussions · p. 11

    Facilitators and the women themselves set a supportive tone for discussion, and their mutual involvement grew from tentative to enthusiastic.

    “The facilitators and the women themselves set a supportive tone for discussion, and their mutual involvement grew from tentative to enthusiastic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 13

    One woman photographed a farmer wearily stooping to get water from cistern faucets; her photograph repeatedly spurred reflections and recognition of every village woman.

    “For example, one woman photographed a farmer wearily stooping to get water from the cistern faucets (see Figure 3). Her photograph repeatedly spurred the reflections and recognition of every village woman.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning
    § and Large Group Discussions · p. 11

    In Yunnan, the well-known photographer and editor for World of Women inspired the women by creating a setting in which they were offered constructive feedback, recognition, and support for their achievements.

    “Fluent in the political and cultural etiquette of the countryside, he inspired the women by creating a setting in which they were offered constructive feedback, recognition, and support for their achievements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § and Large Group Discussions · p. 11

    Facilitators acknowledged that women might prefer talking individually among themselves rather than in group settings, might be reluctant to bring up problems for fear of being seen as challenging leaders or complaining of neglect, and felt a responsibility to one another that induced respect.

    “Facilitators acknowledged that the women might prefer talking individually among themselves rather than in group settings, that they might be reluctant to bring up problems for fear of being seen as challenging their leaders and as complaining of neglect, and that they felt a responsibility to one another that induced respect.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT · p. 2

    Photovoice gives cameras to people who might otherwise not have access to such a tool, so that they may record and catalyze change in their communities rather than be passive subjects of others' intentions and images.

    “Photovoice gives cameras to people who might otherwise not have access to such a tool, so that they may record and catalyze change in their communities, rather than stand as passive subjects of other people's intentions and images.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    These conditions are not unique to rural China.

    “These conditions are not unique to rural China.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    Photovoice addresses the descriptive mandate of needs assessment through the visual image.

    “photovoice addresses the descriptive mandate of needs assessment through an exceptionally powerful means—the visual image.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT · p. 2

    Problem-posing education begins with issues that people consider central to their lives and then helps them identify shared themes through dialogue.

    “problem-posing education starts with issues that people see as central to their lives and then enables them to identify common themes through dialogue.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Wallerstein and Bernstein

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Freire

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 3

    The participatory process assumes the legitimacy of popular knowledge produced outside a formal scientific structure.

    “the participatory process assumes the legitimacy of popular knowledge produced outside a formal scientific structure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gaventa

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 3

    Participatory needs assessment values the knowledge put forth by people as a vital source of expertise.

    “this approach to participatory needs assessment, or participatory appraisal, values the knowledge put forth by people as a vital source of expertise.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT · p. 2

    Freire noted that the visual image is one means of enabling people to think critically about their community and to discuss the social and political forces that influence their lives.

    “Freire noted that one means of enabling people to think critically about their community, and to begin discussing the everyday social and political forces that influence their lives, was the visual image.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Freire

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    The process of photovoice can affirm the ingenuity and perspective of society's most vulnerable populations.

    “the process of photovoice can affirm the ingenuity and perspective of society's most vulnerable populations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 5

    Photovoice goes beyond the conventional role of needs assessment by inviting people to become advocates for their own and their community's well-being.

    “Photovoice goes beyond the conventional role of needs assessment by inviting people to become advocates for their own and their community's well-being.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Adaptability · p. 6

    Photovoice can be used for specific participatory objectives in health promotion, with different groups and communities, and for diverse public health issues.

    “Photovoice can be used in many ways: (1) for specific participatory objectives in health promotion, (2) with different groups and communities, and (3) for diverse public health issues.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 7

    Methodological ideals may not coincide with reality.

    “methodological ideals may not coincide with reality.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    The participatory process attempts to address material and status inequalities, yet the extent to which it may perpetuate those inequalities deserves scrutiny.

    “The participatory process attempts to address material and status inequalities, yet the extent to which it may perpetuate those inequalities deserves scrutiny.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    Long-term community members cultivate long-term relationships.

    “long-term community members cultivate long-term relationships.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Buchanan

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    All methodologies hide as well as disclose.

    “all methodologies hide as well as disclose.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 5

    The range of community experience includes capacities, collective efforts, informality, stories, celebration, and tragedy.

    “the range of community experience includes capacities, collective efforts, informality, stories, celebration, and tragedy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McKnight

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 5

    Embedded in a Freirian context of problem-posing education, the images produced and the issues discussed and framed by people may stimulate social action.

    “embedded in a Freirian context of problem-posing education, the images produced and the issues discussed and framed by people may stimulate social action.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Building Capacity for Action · p. 7

    Mediating structures connect individuals and the larger social environment and serve as points of access to, and influence on, the larger social environment.

    “McLeroy, Bibeau, Steckler, and Glanz have noted the power of mediating structures that connect individuals and the larger social environment and that serve as points of access to, and influence on, the larger social environment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McLeroy, Bibeau, Steckler, and Glanz

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 7

    In Yunnan, audiotaping would have spared others the difficult task of attempting to script Chinese characters longhand at the speed of the photographers' reflections.

    “In Yunnan, audiotaping would have spared others the difficult task of attempting to script Chinese characters longhand at the speed of the photographers' reflections.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 7

    Audiotaping people's narratives about their photographs can capture the breadth, nuance, and idioms of people's stories.

    “audiotaping people's narratives about their photographs can capture the breadth, nuance, and idioms of people's stories.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 4

    Giving photographs back to neighbors and friends enables participants to express their appreciation, build ties, and pass along something of value made by themselves.

    “Giving photographs back to neighbors and friends enables participants to express their appreciation, build ties, and pass along something of value made by themselves.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    Personal judgment may intervene at many different levels of representation: who used the camera, what the user photographed, what the user chose not to photograph, who selected which photograph to discuss, and who recorded whose and what thoughts about whose and which photographs.

    “personal judgment may intervene at many different levels of representation: who used the camera, what the user photographed, what the user chose not to photograph, who selected which photograph to discuss, and who recorded whose and what thoughts about whose and which photographs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    A core training team may include both outsider and insider facilitators.

    “A core training team may include both outsider and insider facilitators.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    Persons who document community reality and discuss community change are committing political acts.

    “persons who document community reality and discuss community change are committing political acts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 5

    Photovoice can be a tool to reach, inform, and organize community members, enabling them to prioritize their concerns and discuss problems and solutions.

    “Photovoice can be a tool to reach, inform, and organize community members, enabling them to prioritize their concerns and discuss problems and solutions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Adaptability · p. 6

    The breadth and depth of public health problems suggest that photovoice may be a creative approach that enables people to identify, define, and enhance their community according to their own specific concerns and priorities.

    “the breadth and depth of public health problems suggest that photovoice may be a creative approach that enables people to identify, define, and enhance their community according to their own specific concerns and priorities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISADVANTAGES · p. 6

    Broader class stratification may be reproduced by the control of resources.

    “broader class stratification may be reproduced by the control of resources.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Linking Needs Assessment With Community Participation · p. 5

    The method enables people to depict not only the community's needs but also its assets.

    “the method enables people to depict not only the community's needs but also its assets.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given
    § CONCLUSION · p. 16

    Photovoice facilitates the sampling of different social and behavioral settings by taking advantage of the access enjoyed by participatory researchers.

    “Fourth, it facilitates the sampling of different social and behavioral settings by taking advantage of the access enjoyed by participatory researchers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    Being an effective facilitator turns on one's understanding of photovoice as a Freirian process of discussion and action and on the ability to facilitate dialogue about the social and political context of women's visual images.

    “being an effective facilitator turns on one's understanding of photovoice as a Freirian process of discussion and action and on the ability to facilitate dialogue about the social and political context of women's visual images.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    In photovoice, the facilitator is accountable to a group or community and openly committed to certain kinds of social change.

    “in photovoice, the facilitator is accountable to a group or community and openly committed to certain kinds of social change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    Photovoice is a participatory method that draws on the community's active lore, observation, and stories, in visual and oral terms, rather than counting things.

    “Photovoice is a participatory method not of counting up things but of drawing on the community's active lore, observation, and stories, in terms both visual and oral.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: A premise of the photovoice method is accessibility and that people can participate with a minimum of technical training.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    Photovoice is designed to increase the individual's and the community's access to power.

    “It is designed to increase the individual's and the community's access to power.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: A premise of the photovoice method is accessibility and that people can participate with a minimum of technical training.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    Preparing local women to serve as trainers had several purposes: to enrich collaboration between community organizations and the people they serve; to improve existing organizations' infrastructure, effectiveness, and credibility in the community; and to improve the skills and resources of grassroots workers dedicated to social change.

    “Preparing local women to serve as trainers had several purposes: to enrich collaboration between community organizations and the people they serve; to improve existing organizations' infrastructure, effectiveness, and credibility in the community; and to improve the skills and resources of grassroots workers dedicated to social change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    Photovoice may complement and enhance other needs assessment strategies.

    “Finally, it may complement and enhance other needs assessment strategies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: A premise of the photovoice method is accessibility and that people can participate with a minimum of technical training.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    Photovoice exploits the emotional power of photographs produced by people who carry a particular authority in what they choose to describe.

    “It exploits the emotional power of photographs produced by people who carry a particular authority in what they choose to describe.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: A premise of the photovoice method is accessibility and that people can participate with a minimum of technical training.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    A facilitator's commitments require an understanding of local history, economics, and culture.

    “A facilitator's commitments require an understanding of local history, economics, and culture.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § CONCLUSION · p. 17

    Photovoice enables people to percuss their community and to collectively prioritize its needs.

    “Photovoice enables people to percuss their community and to collectively prioritize its needs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given
    § CONCLUSION · p. 16

    The process of creating images in photovoice affirms the ingenuity and perspective of society's most vulnerable populations, including those who may not be able to read or write.

    “Third, the process of creating these images affirms the ingenuity and perspective of society's most vulnerable populations, including those who may not be able to read or write.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § Facilitators · p. 8

    Even the best and most proven theories are no substitute for practitioners' training, experience, mastery of skills, knowledge, and inventiveness.

    “Even the best and most proven theories are no substitute for practitioners' training, experience, mastery of skills, knowledge, and inventiveness”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hochbaum, Sorensen, and Lorig

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Participants · p. 9

    This relative accessibility would enable provincial and county cadres to work together more closely, instead of county cadres simply doing what was mandated at the provincial level.

    “This relative accessibility would enable provincial and county cadres to work together more closely, instead of county cadres simply doing what was mandated at the provincial level.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    Photovoice as participatory needs assessment avoids the distortion of fitting data into a predetermined paradigm and enables understanding how people make meaning themselves or construct what matters to them.

    “Such an approach avoids the distortion of fitting data into a predetermined paradigm; it enables us to hear and understand how people make meaning themselves or construct what matters to them.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    Photovoice, as paraphrased from Glik et al., entails people reflecting on their own community portraits and voices and on what questions can be linked into more general constructs or seen as interrelated, rather than simply shuffling information.

    “Photovoice, to paraphrase Glik, Gordon, Ward, Kouame, and Guessan in a different context, is not simply the shuffling of information around but entails people reflecting on their own community portraits and voices and on what questions can be linked into more general constructs or can be seen to be interrelated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    Photography provides the medium through which people's visions and voices may surface.

    “Photography provides the medium through which people's visions and voices may surface.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given
    § PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS · p. 14

    No claim is made that the data emerging from photovoice are representative in a social scientific way.

    “No claim is made that the data that emerge from the process are representative in a social scientific way.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § and Large Group Discussions · p. 11

    Transferring the photograph to slide form makes group discussion easier and enlarges the visual impact of the images.

    “Transferring the photograph to slide form makes group discussion easier and literally enlarges the visual impact of the images.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
86 of 86

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    People who are poor, uneducated, or socially stigmatized often have an expertise and insight into their own communities and worlds that professionals and outsiders lack.

    “It recognizes that such people often have an expertise and insight into their own communities and worlds that professionals and outsiders lack.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A fundamental problem of needs assessment is that what researchers think is important may neglect what the community thinks is important.

    “It confronts a fundamental problem of needs assessment: what researchers think is important may neglect what the community thinks is important.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Virtually anyone can learn to use a camera.

    “Because virtually anyone can learn to use a camera”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Cameras are an unusually motivating and appealing tool for most people.

    “Cameras are an unusually motivating and appealing tool for most people.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Needs assessment always takes place within a social and political context.

    “needs assessment always takes place within a social and political context.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    China has a long history of persecuting its own, so a person leaving an audiotaped record of her opinions might well fear self-incrimination.

    “China has a long history of persecuting its own; a person leaving an audiotaped record of her opinions might well fear self-incrimination.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Local women themselves are best able to define and articulate their own needs and ought to be the most important actors in designing efforts to address those needs.

    “From its inception, the Yunnan Women's Reproductive Health and Development Program has acted on the belief that local women themselves are best able to define and articulate their own needs and that they ought to be the most important actors in designing efforts to address those needs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Photographs are easy to gather but difficult to analyze and summarize because they yield an abundance of complex data that can be difficult to digest.

    “Photographs are easy to gather but difficult to analyze and summarize because they yield an abundance of complex data that can be difficult to digest.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The use of tapes would introduce a degree of excruciating self-consciousness for many village women.

    “the use of tapes would have introduced a degree of excruciating self-consciousness for many village women”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The term 'spirit' carries an implicit compliment, evoking the strength women need to do their everyday work.

    “We chose this phrase because the term spirit might be said to carry an implicit compliment, evoking the strength women need to do their everyday work.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Photographs considered outside the context of women's own voices and stories would contradict the essence of photovoice.

    “Photographs alone, considered outside the context of women's own voices and stories, would contradict the essence of photovoice.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    A premise of the photovoice method is accessibility and that people can participate with a minimum of technical training.

    “A premise of the photovoice method is accessibility and that people can participate with a minimum of technical training.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In China, color photo labs were more accessible to township and county residents than black-and-white ones.

    “In China, color photo labs were more accessible to township and county residents than black-and-white ones.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Sturdy instamatics minimized mechanical difficulties.

    “Sturdy instamatics minimized mechanical difficulties.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Ricoh YF-20 cameras were produced in Beijing through a joint venture with Japan, which eliminated the prohibitive import tax that might have been incurred by choosing a camera manufactured elsewhere.

    “The Ricoh YF-20 cameras were produced in Beijing through a joint venture with Japan, which eliminated the prohibitive import tax that might have been incurred by choosing a camera manufactured elsewhere.”
15 of 15

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • In the late 20th century, participatory research gained currency in academic fields such as participatory development, participatory health promotion and creative methods.

    “In the late 20 th century, participatory research gained currency in academic fields such as participatory development, 21,22 participatory health promotion 23 and creative methods 24 .”

    From Participatory action research (2023) · cites this paper as [24]

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 16

  1. Weaks D, 1976, The Photonovel: A Tool for Development
  2. Freire P, 1970, Pedagogy of the Oppressed
  3. Rosler M, 1987, The Contest of Meaning
  4. Kuttab D, Palestinian diaries: Grass roots TV production in the occupied territories
  5. Ewald W, 1985, Portraits and Dreams: Photographs and Stories by Children of the Appalachians
  6. National Foundation for the Improvement of Education, 1983, Cameras in the Curriculum: A Challenge to Teacher Creativity
  7. Roter DL, 1981, Public Health Rep, 96, 169
  8. Warren RB, 1977, The Neighborhood Organizer
  9. McKnight JL, 1987, Social Policy, 54
  10. Wang C, 1996, Journal of Contemporary Health, 4, 47
  11. Fernandes W, 1981, Participatory Research and Evaluation: Experiments in Research as a Process of Liberation
  12. Li YQ, 1990, The Works of Chinese Photographer Li Yuan Qi
  13. Wang C, 1995, Visual Voices: 100 Photographs of Village China by the Women of Yunnan Province
  14. McKnight JL, 1985, Can J Public Health, 76, 37
  15. Spence J, 1995, What Can a Woman Do With a Camera?
  16. Sontag S, 1973, On Photography

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Wang, C., & Burris, M. A.
Affiliations
  • University of Michigan (US)
  • Ford Foundation (US)
Venue
Health Education & Behavior
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
1997-06
Volume
24
Issue
3
Pages
369-387
ISSN
  • 1090-1981 (ISSN-L)
  • 1552-6127
DOI
10.1177/109019819702400309
OpenAlex
W2122164040
Semantic Scholar
85ae2808bef0093adf2d817060834999d5a9824a
Cited by
5,551
References
44
Citations by year
2026: 473 · 2025: 501 · 2024: 478 · 2023: 460 · 2022: 463 · 2021: 496 · 2020: 428 · 2019: 350 · 2018: 279 · 2017: 255 · 2016: 252 · 2015: 224 · 2014: 193 · 2013: 162 · 2012: 138
FWCI
15.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
  • Health Education & Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Deep Blue (University of Michigan) (submittedVersion)
  • Health Education & Behavior
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Participatory Visual Research Methods
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Community Health and Development
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Photography and Visual Culture
Keywords
photovoice, participatory needs assessment, community photography, participatory analysis, public health promotion, knowledge production, community participation
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, China, Female, Health Promotion, Humans, Middle Aged, Photography, Voice

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