An Extended and Relational Photovoice Design: Methodological Reflections

Abstract

Photovoice is a powerful method for centring participants’ perspectives in research and policy. It can provide a platform for marginalised groups to share their stories and inform policy change. However, its application to studying dyadic relationships, in particular labour relations, is limited, as multi-perspective designs are largely absent. Moreover, methodological clarity, especially in relation to analysis, is often lacking. This article presents an extended and relational photovoice design, developed from a project in Accra’s informal food service sector, to address these shortcomings and outlines methodological implications. Our approach offers tools for bottom-up analysis that help bridge the gap between first-hand testimonies of lived experience and abstract theorisation. We propose practical steps to strengthen reliability, validity, and credibility; make participants’ involvement in decision-making processes more transparent; and provide extensive field materials to support replication and adaptation. Key contributions include: (1) the simultaneous inclusion of employers and employees; (2) rigorous sampling through careful operationalisation, field visits, and a mini-survey in a challenging data-scarce environment; (3) integration of individual semi-structured interviews and audio diaries to explore photographs, labour relations, and work histories; and (4) the combined use of thematic and interpretative phenomenological analysis to investigate and compare lived experiences while also embedding them in theoretical frameworks. Although we acknowledge its limitations, this design enhances methodological rigor and participatory integrity, making previously unexplored areas and relational dimensions more accessible to photovoice research.