Photo elicitation method and young refugees’ social participation in community

Abstract

This chapter discusses the use of the photo elicitation method to examine the social experiences of young people with refugee backgrounds in regional Australia. In the study on which this chapter is based, the authors explored the role of social capital and its impact on regional settlement experiences for young people with refugee backgrounds. Qualitative in-depth interviews and photo elicitation methods were conducted with 16 Congolese young people with refugee backgrounds living in an Australian regional town. Findings revealed that the participants relied on a variety of social capitals to help them integrate into their regional community. Community participation in the form of sport, music, and cultural activities were common methods to develop social capital. Importantly, these young people exhibited a remarkable level of resilience and determination that assisted them to succeed in Australia. This chapter highlights that social capital, including bonding and bridging capital, is important for young people with refugee backgrounds whose social relationships are often diminished during the process of forced migration. The chapter identifies community participation as a potential method for restoring social capital for young people with refugee backgrounds, particularly in regional Australia where community participation is common.