Analysing Social-Change Practice in the Peruvian Amazon through a Feminist Reading of Participatory Communication Research

From the abstract: "This article analyzes the social change practices of Minga Perú, a non-governmental organization in the Peruvian Amazon that promotes gender equality and reproductive health through radio broadcasts and community-based interventions. This analysis, grounded in participatory research methods, reveals a feminist and gender-equitable approach, allowing our participants to take the role of leader rather than of passive research subject. Further, such participatory research methods helped empower both individuals and their communities in the Peruvian Amazon, encouraging the development of more productive group dynamics and leadership."

Minga Perú, a non-governmental organisation that promotes gender equality and reproductive health in the Amazonian riverine communities of the Peruvian rainforest, organised a meeting of women to assess change resulting from Minga Perú’s outreach activities, including the thrice-weekly broadcast of a radio programme, Bienvenida Salud! (Welcome Health), and several community-based interventions facilitated by the on-the-ground local women leaders (promotoras), who act as "sparkplugs for change". The exercise analysed in this document was based upon participants making two sketches: one sketch to portray their life five years ago (i.e. antes), the other to portray their life at present (i.e. ahora). The sketches were presented with a discussion among the participants that was observed and reported by the authors as follows: "[The participant’s] emotional public rendering of her sketch evoked highly emotional discussions and responses; the dialogue generated through these emotional interactions helped connect participants, fostering a palpable sense of community; and, further, the public nature of deliberations allowed participants to view their experiences from multiple perspectives, reflecting both self and collective development." The authors then examine how a participatory approach to research affects the way participants view themselves and the implications such strategies have for a broader understanding of social change movements.

The document compares more traditional social scientific research solicitation of information through interview and structured surveys with the approach of offering participatory sketching or photography to solicit expression from participants, particularly those who have previously been marginalised. Placing this kind of research in the more recent tradition of feminist scholarship, the document states that: "One important conceptual linkage between feminism and communication is the importance of giving voice to those who are traditionally marginalized, silenced, and ignored..." in order to reframe ideas through discussion and debate in a way that recognises "...the inherent power differentials that characterize relationships and advocate reducing such differentials in the production of knowledge...." As stated here, not only does feminist methodology include the idea that the researcher brings a powerful perspective that orients the research, but also "...feminist perspectives of communication view the role of dialogue as being central to building community and promoting social change..."

The document further addresses the qualities of feminist research including the therapeutic value of drawing and storytelling, the notion that emotion clarifies rather than clouds understanding and judgement, and the possibility of improved social and emotional function of participants in a group where group trust allows the voiceless to express themselves. "A feminist methodological orientation stresses the importance of continued self- and collective development as central to any research approach." This sense of personal and group agency, as indicated here, can foster development.

The research drew upon 107 photos and 75 sketches and their accompanying narratives to analyse the feminist research method of assessing Minga Peru’s social change practices. It found that the method provided for expression of emotionality, created community within the participants, and provided them with perspective on their personal and community development. The authors caution that there are risks and responsibilities on the part of researchers when opportunities for heightened emotionality are offered to marginalised groups. Anger, shame, and resentment are potential products of the opportunity. Thus, as recommended here, extensive time and energy is needed for building relationships of trust in the field. The researchers must also assume the role of co-learner instead of expert.