Empowered Through the Lens: A Photovoice Study on Immigrant Elderly
Haapajoki, Emmi (2025)
2025
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202504227148
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202504227148
Tiivistelmä
This development-oriented thesis examines the empowerment of elderly immigrants residing in Finland's capital region through the application of photovoice, an art-based participatory research method. Elderly immigrants can often face barriers such as language, cultural differences, and social isolation, which can contribute to their marginalization and hinder their sense of belonging. By engaging participants in creative workshops and a photo exhibition, the project aimed to elevate their voices, show recognition, and promote a positive understanding within the Finnish society.
The purpose of this thesis is to promote a positive understanding and raise awareness of elderly immigrants within the Finnish society, while the objective is to create opportunities for empowerment among elderly immigrants through photovoice. Four groups, representing different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, participated in workshops where they captured and shared photographs reflecting moments of joy and meaning in their lives. These photographs, along with their stories, were displayed in a public exhibition at Töölö Library, visualizing their voices and providing an opportunity for empowerment.
The project was evaluated using the SMART criteria, ensuring specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Feedback from participants in Groups A and D indicated a strong sense of empowerment and pride, while challenges with engagement from Groups B and C highlighted areas for improvement in outreach and inclusivity.
Overall, the project successfully met its objectives by creating a platform for elderly immigrants to express themselves, highlighting a sense of empowerment, belonging, and raising awareness in the broader community. This thesis contributes to ongoing discussions on inclusion, integration, social justice, and the role of creative methods in empowering marginalized groups.
The purpose of this thesis is to promote a positive understanding and raise awareness of elderly immigrants within the Finnish society, while the objective is to create opportunities for empowerment among elderly immigrants through photovoice. Four groups, representing different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, participated in workshops where they captured and shared photographs reflecting moments of joy and meaning in their lives. These photographs, along with their stories, were displayed in a public exhibition at Töölö Library, visualizing their voices and providing an opportunity for empowerment.
The project was evaluated using the SMART criteria, ensuring specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Feedback from participants in Groups A and D indicated a strong sense of empowerment and pride, while challenges with engagement from Groups B and C highlighted areas for improvement in outreach and inclusivity.
Overall, the project successfully met its objectives by creating a platform for elderly immigrants to express themselves, highlighting a sense of empowerment, belonging, and raising awareness in the broader community. This thesis contributes to ongoing discussions on inclusion, integration, social justice, and the role of creative methods in empowering marginalized groups.