Seen But Seldom Heard: Creative Participatory Methods in a Study of Youth and Risk

Authors

  • Lee-Ann Fenge Bournemouth University
  • Carrie Hodges Media School Bournemouth University
  • Wendy Cutts Bournemouth University

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion of the methodologies used in a small scale ‘popular education’ project involving young people in creative activities. The goal of the project is to explore their experiences and feelings about risk and safety and their ‘connectedness’ to their local community. A number of different methods are discussed as ways of empowering marginalised young people, including the use of visual methods, and new media in the form of blogs and Twitter Scripts, within an overarching participatory methodology. Arts-based and multimedia activities are powerful tools to enable young people to collectively question the nature of their historical and social situation and have the potential to raise sensitive issues, therefore, encouraging wider debate, producing new understandings, and facilitating social change. Building on insights gained in earlier research, which suggested that young people felt that they were not listened to or had enough influence in their neighbourhoods, this paper discusses the use of multimedia and creative means to develop a more accessible and effective arena in which young people can learn new skills to enable them to tell their story. In keeping with Bourdieu’s General Theoretical Framework, consideration is given to the ways in which such participatory and arts-based approaches can demonstrate value for the social and cultural capital of young people.

Author Biographies

Lee-Ann Fenge, Bournemouth University

Associate Dean Postgraduate Students School of Health and Social Care Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK

Carrie Hodges, Media School Bournemouth University

Senior Lecturer Media School Bournemouth University, Bournemouth,

Wendy Cutts, Bournemouth University

Senior Lecturer School of Health and Social Care Bournemouth University

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Published

2011-12-01

Issue

Section

Articles