Relational Accountability in Indigenizing Visual Research for Participatory Communication

Verena Thomas,Evangelia Papoutsaki,Joys Eggins

doi:10.1177/2158244015626493

Verena Thomas, Evangelia Papoutsaki + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244015626493

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Abstract

This article argues that an indigenous approach to communication research allows us to re-think academic approaches of engaging in and evaluating participatory communication research. It takes as its case study the Komuniti Tok Piksa project undertaken in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The project explores ways in which visual methods when paired with a community action approach embedded within an indigenous framework can be used to facilitate social change through meaningful participation. It involves communities to narrate their experiences in regard to HIV and AIDS and assists them in designing and recording their own messages. Local researchers are trained in using visual tools to facilitate this engagement with the communities.

Highlights

This article attempts to re-focus the discussion about participatory communication by examining elements of an indigenous approach to research and practice
It is based on a larger research project undertaken in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Komuniti Tok Piksa (KTP), which sought to explore the use of visual and creative methodologies in HIV prevention
Previous HIV and AIDS prevention campaigns in PNG have lacked an understanding of local narratives and processes

Summary

Introduction

This article attempts to re-focus the discussion about participatory communication by examining elements of an indigenous approach to research and practice. The success of these recent research and awareness initiatives has been in its localized approach, appropriation of technology, and valuing of community experiences and beliefs as a way of both facilitating the message creation and creation of knowledge among participants Such approaches are reinforced in a literature review (King & Lupiwa, 2009) which showed that cultural diversities, sensitivities, and fear are delaying the success of the national response to HIV and AIDS. By facilitating a collaborative creative process, values and decisions can be reflected on and collectively shared by participants This process as we indicate in this article provides an opportunity to tackle some of the driving forces of the HIV epidemic and to ignite solutions developed by the participants themselves specific to their local setting and situation. The epistemological foundations of PAR, such as being context-bound, focusing on real-life problems, seeking for

Consent and community

Community profile and

Screening or performing

Findings

Conclusion