Facilitating Dialog About Development Through Digital Photography: Seeing Through the Eyes of Maasai Women

Abstract

In recent decades the Maasai of East Africa have undergone substantive cultural change in response to national development efforts. This study uses participant observation, in-depth interviews, and digital photography to better understand the lived experience and development perspectives of Maasai women. Through dialog about digital photographs they had taken, Maasai women powerfully articulated their concerns and ideas about development and social change within their communities. Results show that Maasai women have a keen sense of the potential benefits and pitfalls of the social changes they are experiencing, particularly with regards to marriage relationships, gender norms, and education. Implications of the study of participants’ adept use of digital photography to facilitate dialog about development and social change are discussed.

Keywords:

• Dialog
• Subaltern
• Development Communication
• Digital Photography
• Maasai Women

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Benson P. Fraser

Benson P. Fraser is Associate Professor in the School of Communication and the Arts, Regent University, USA

William J. Brown

William J. Brown is Professor and Research Fellow in the School of Communication and the Arts, Regent University, USA

Corey Wright

Corey Wright is the Supporting Director for LOOCIP, a community-based organization in Tanzania

Steven L. Kiruswa

Steven L. Kiruswa is the founder of LOOCIP and former Director of the Africa Wildlife Foundation