Participatory photography and undocumented migration through Mexico at the intersection of social work and anthropology. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doering-White, John
• Other Names: Gulbas Lauren E guest-editor.; Perry Tam E guest-editor.; Chin Matthew guest-editor.; Mathias John guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Qualitative social work. Volume 20:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 1536
• Page End: 1551
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Ethnography -- participatory research -- borders -- migration -- photography; Social service -- Periodicals; Social service -- Research -- Periodicals; Social service -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1177/14733250211039510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3250

Abstract

This article reflects on participatory photography in the context of ethnographic fieldwork at a humanitarian migrant shelter in Central Mexico to consider broader intersections between social work and anthropology. I describe how shifting immigration enforcement trends across Mexico reconfigured my original plan for integrating participatory photography into my work as a researcher and shelter worker. Tracing these changes through three cases examples, I highlight tensions between photography as a reflection of social experience and photography as a mechanism for enacting social change. In light of recent critiques surrounding formulaic and cursory discussions of empowerment in participatory photography, I argue that unexpected shifts in research and practice strategies are themselves meaningful data, especially in uncertain policy environments.