Epistemological Breaks for Social Work Training and Practice: Participatory Research Through Photovoice in Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods

Abstract

The capabilities approach and participatory research are effective means to promote epistemic justice in higher education. Both have important roles, given the current commoditization of University knowledge and professional practice, which do not promote inclusive epistemes that take into account the social problems of disadvantaged groups. Facilitating educational experiences that generate epistemological breaks and promote epistemic justice is a necessary task. Contributing to it was one purpose of the teaching innovation project carried out by the University of Jaén (Andalusia, Spain). The project aimed to stimulate collective reflection and dialogic encounters between complementary knowledge fields. It had three focal points: developing capabilities in students; fomenting participation and collective reflection in the community; heightening the visibility of people living in disadvantaged areas and conveying these realities, and people’s knowledge and concerns, to policymakers. The results show that co-production of knowledge by universities and local communities favours learning and practical reasoning; increases recognition and respect for diversity; foments participation and the environment necessary for citizens to exercise their political capabilities. This paper presents only the project’s first focal point; specifically, it shows how horizontal knowledge production using Photovoice can enhance in students certain capabilities of great relevance in their future profession.