フォトボイスによるコミュニティのニーズ把握、アドボカシー活動、そしてエンパワメント

抄録

Photovoice is an innovative participatory action research method that uses photo images, participant voices (textual explanations), and discussions of photos to make voices heard and to elicit action in a community. Its aims include (1) to enable people to understand community needs and strengths; (2) to increase individual and community empowerment; and (3) to enhance community engagement in advocacy activities. After a brief introduction of photovoice, this article presents three research projects using photovoice to illustrate how photovoice can be effectively utilized for community management. The first project conducted with a youth group in the Philippines resulted in needs assessment in their community, which elicited their voluntary actions for improving their community. The second project with war survivors in the Philippines led to advocacy work for seeking justice by holding photo exhibits both in the Philippines and Japan. The last projects with immigrant youths in Japan facilitated empowerment of these participants. The author summarizes advantages and limitations of using photovoice for community management to conclude the article.