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Paper short abstract:

This paper explores visual ethnography in law and development studies, highlighting its role in capturing lived realities. Using visual media, this participatory approach enriches socio-legal research, amplifies marginalized voices, and fosters inclusive, culturally sensitive legal frameworks.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines visual ethnography as a transformative methodology in law and development studies, emphasizing its ability to bridge abstract legal concepts with lived realities. Visual ethnography employs participatory methods, such as photography and film, to document and analyze the intersection of law, culture, and social change. By centering the voices of marginalized communities, this approach enables a deeper understanding of identity, power dynamics, and structural inequities that are often overlooked in traditional research.

Through visual representation, researchers can capture complex socio-legal narratives, making the law’s impact more accessible and tangible. Visual ethnography also fosters collaboration between researchers and participants, creating a platform for underrepresented groups to challenge dominant narratives and articulate their perspectives on justice and development. Its visual and participatory nature enhances cross-cultural understanding, making it particularly valuable in diverse contexts where language or textual limitations may hinder traditional methods.

The paper addresses ethical considerations, including issues of consent, representation, and the risk of reinforcing existing power imbalances. It argues that, when applied thoughtfully, visual ethnography not only enriches socio-legal research but also contributes to inclusive, culturally sensitive frameworks that reflect the lived realities of communities. By integrating visual ethnography into law and development studies, scholars can move beyond abstract legal discourse to foster more holistic and participatory approaches to legal and social transformation, ultimately advancing the goals of equity and justice.