Author

Renee Romer

Date Approved

2017

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Social Work

First Advisor

Dr. Marilyn Wedenoja

Second Advisor

Dr. Angie Mann-Williams

Abstract

Participatory action research (PAR) approaches to community intervention have demonstrated to be helpful in addressing and identifying community strengths and challenges, along with leading members of a community into action. Photovoice is a qualitative method of community-based participatory action research (CBPR) by which members of a community create and discuss photographs as a means of facilitating personal and community change. While much research using Photovoice has been conducted in rural areas of China and Africa, no research of this type has been found in rural Jamaica. This study implemented PAR research using the CBPR method of Photovoice in the rural community of Bluefields, Jamaica, utilizing social work theories of strength, advocacy and empowerment. Four distinct themes were identified in this study: sustainability, preservation, education, and community. Implications for community social work research and practice are discussed.

Included in

Social Work Commons

Share

COinS