Applying a Social Justice Framework to Photovoice Research on Environmental Issues

Abstract

The need to address the environmental crisis is becoming more urgent. The consequences of unsustainable environmental practices are detrimental to the wellbeing of people globally as well as the environment. This is of concern to social workers as they recognize their role in responding to the environmental crisis and resulting social injustices. This literature review explores how the photovoice technique is being used in environmental research. By applying a social justice framework in a content analysis of the literature (N=17), we describe how photovoice is being used to promote environmental and social justice through its research processes and outcomes.

Keywords

• photovoice
• social justice
• environmental crisis
• environmental sustainability