Drawing on knowledge: Visual narrative analysis for critical environment and development research. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simon, Gregory L; Wee, Bryan; Chatti, Deepti; Anderson, Emily
• Is Part Of: Environment and planning. Volume 5:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 293
• Page End: 317
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Counter mapping -- development -- drawings -- environment -- visual narratives; Political ecology -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental justice -- Periodicals; 304.2
• DOI: 10.1177/2514848620975340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2514-8486

Abstract

Counter-narratives to dominant development discourses are made possible using research methods designed to elicit marginalized voices. In this article, we propose a new analytical framework called the interpretive schema for drawings for analyzing visual narratives. The interpretive schema for drawings consists of five themes or interpretive lenses ( scale, centrality, inclusion, connections, and relationality ) that were generated from maps of fuelwood collection in rural India. We suggest that the interpretive schema reflects and animates a range of spatialities that are central to geographic studies of human–environment dynamics. Using the interpretive schema for drawings in this way enables us to emphasize emic socio-spatial perspectives, and offers a critical research avenue through which everyday realities can be represented, understood, and validated. While other image-based research approaches, critical cartographies and participatory mapping exercises may encourage the expression of alternative knowledges, our proposed interpretive schema for drawing presents a specific set of guidelines for interpreting and making sense of visual narratives through explicit socio-spatial analysis.