Visualisation of the Lived Experiences of Social Orphans (Latvian Experience)

Description

Use and validation of a new method in the research of orphans.Over the past twenty years some research on children in social care perpetuated negative stereotypes, stigmatization and marginalization of children who need to use social services. This contributes to negative outcomes of care graduates as they seek to create lives for themselves. Thus, they experience more difficulty gaining employment, housing, further education and acceptance in social clubs and other organizations. The overarching picture of the care leaver in Eastern Europe is often unreliable, a drain on the social welfare system and at times a criminal. They are seen as replicating the social cycles of their parents and grandparents.. A method of "photo voice" is used.Constructing a study that offers young people an opportunity to be empowered to express their lived experiences and show who they truly are through a strengths-based modality (Wang & Burris, 1997) is the motivating force behind this research.. Since some researchers have often used methods of research that make marginalized groups passive participants as opposed to active participants this research has sought to use the Photo Voice method which creates an environment where Participants are co-researchers because they take the photographs and interpret their meaning for the researchers. This differs fundamentally from traditional research where the power often lies solely with the researcher.. The knowledge from this research will contribute to a new understanding of care leavers in Latvia and Eastern Europe.

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: Society. Health. Welfare
Event type	Conference
Conference number	9
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International