Creative and participatory research in practice: insights from intergenerational photovoice research

We are delighted to welcome Dr Linzi Ladlow, University of Lincoln, to present this Centre for Research on Families, Life Course and Generations (FLaG) lunchtime seminar.

Creative and participatory methods are increasingly being utilised by social researchers to foster inclusivity and provide rich, nuanced insights into complex social issues. These approaches are particularly valuable when researching families and intergenerational relationships, as they enable participants of all ages to share their lived experiences in accessible and meaningful ways. Methods of co-creation and creativity open up new possibilities for engaging seldom-heard voices, generating meaningful impact across academic, policy, and practice contexts.

This presentation highlights findings from Visualising Young Parenthood: Through the Eyes of Children (Ladlow, 2024), an intergenerational photovoice study funded by the Policy Hub at the University of Lincoln. The presentation will also draw on insights from Following Young Fathers Further (FYFF, Tarrant, 2020–2027), a UKRI-funded project that uses co-creation to collaborate with young fathers, families, and professionals. By fostering inclusive practices and addressing the marginalisation of young fathers, FYFF exemplifies how participatory research can engage seldom-heard voices to shape impactful and transformative research.

In policy and media, young parenthood is often framed as ‘problematic,’ with adverse effects on children’s health, wellbeing, and life chances. However, using the child-friendly method of photovoice, Visualising Young Parenthood found that children experience family life as playful and nurturing, while also revealing the impacts of stigma and structural inequalities on young parent families.

The session concludes by reflecting on the benefits of creative and participatory approaches in family and intergenerational research. By prioritising inclusivity and creativity, these methods empower participants to share their stories on their own terms, generating insights that might otherwise remain hidden. This approach demonstrates the transformative potential of creative and participatory research to inform policies and practices that are more responsive to the lived experiences of families.

This event is in-person and open to all staff and postgraduate researchers. The seminar will take place in 12.38 in the Social Sciences building at 12:00-13:00 and attendees do not need to register in advance.