The Uses and Limits of Photovoice in Research on Life After Immigration Detention and Deportation

• Pages: 151-164
• Date: 26 August 2019
• Published date: 26 August 2019
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/S1521-613620190000024014
• Author: Sarah Turnbull

151

CHAPTER 9

THE USES AND LIMITS OF

PHOTOVOICE IN RESEARCH

ON LIFE AFTER IMMIGRATION

DETENTION AND DEPORTATION

Sarah Turnbull

ABSTRACT

Purpose – This chapter critically reects on the author’s failed attempt to

incorporate visual methods in follow-up research on immigration detention and

deportation in Britain. In particular, it considers the uses and limits of partici-

pant-generated visuals, and the specic method of photovoice, which were orig-

inally conceived as a means to explore themes of home, identity, and belonging

in and through practices of detention and release or expulsion.

Methodology/approach – This chapter discusses the visual method of photo-

voice to consider the uses and limits of participant-generated visuals.

Findings – Drawing on the notion of research “failure,” this chapter highlights

the challenges and limitations of photovoice in follow-up research with individ-

uals who were detained and/or deported, pointing to various methodological,

logistical, ethical, and political issues pertaining to the method itself and the

use of the visual in criminological research.

Originality/value – Criminologists are increasingly considering the visual and the

power of photographic images within criminological research, both as objects of

study and through the use of visual methodologies. This shift toward the examina-

tion, as well as integration, of images raises a number of important methodologi-

cal, ethical, and political questions worthy of consideration, including instances

where visual methods like photovoice are unsuccessful in a research project.

Methods of Criminology and Criminal Justice Research

Sociology of Crime, Law and Deviance, Volume 24, 151–164

Copyright © 2019 by Emerald Publishing Limited

All rights of reproduction in any form reserved

ISSN: 1521-6136/doi:10.1108/S1521-613620190000024014