What Is the (Lack Of) Integration? An Intergroup Perspective Using the Photovoice Methodology

Eleonora Crapolicchio (), Daniela Marzana, Marta Gaboardi, Cristina Giuliani and Camillo Regalia
Additional contact information
Eleonora Crapolicchio: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
Daniela Marzana: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
Marta Gaboardi: Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Cristina Giuliani: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
Camillo Regalia: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy

Societies, 2024, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: Photovoice is a participatory action research (PAR) method that employes photographic language to explore individuals’ stories and living contexts. This study explores the representations of young participants, both immigrants and non-immigrants, concerning integration—defined within Berry’s (1997) framework as a bidirectional process of cultural and social adaptation between migrants and host communities—and the lack of integration within their neighborhood in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The participants included 12 young individuals (6 migrants and 6 locals) aged 19 to 29, two peer researchers, and one researcher. Over the course of two weekly three-hour meetings, participants captured and discussed photos depicting their perspectives on integration. The findings highlighted diverse conceptualizations of integration. Participants emphasized the reciprocal relationship between migrants and locals, illustrating how positive interactions with schools, workplaces, and public spaces facilitate integration. Additionally, successful migrants were seen as models of empowerment. Conversely, themes such as poverty, loneliness, discrimination, and the impact of war emerged as significant barriers to integration. This study underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of integration, as experienced by young people in multicultural settings. It highlights how Photovoice methodology can effectively capture nuanced perspectives on integration, foster mutual understanding, and facilitate intergroup relationships. The method fosters personal and community reflection, actively engaging its audience in critical discussions about integration.

Keywords: photovoice; migration; intergroup relationships; integration; emerging adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/14/10/212/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/14/10/212/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:14:y:2024:i:10:p:212-:d:1502095

Access Statistics for this article

Societies is currently edited by Ms. Farrah Sun

More articles in Societies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().