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Unpacking the Complex Impact of Digital Storytelling in Migration Research: An Empowering Method?

BISSINGER, Jutta; GILODI, Amalia; RICHARD, Catherine et al.

2025 • In International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 24

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

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https://hdl.handle.net/10993/66795

DOI
10.1177/16094069251407076

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Keywords :

participatory research; digital storytelling; empowerment; migration

Abstract :

[en] The objective of this article is to examine the potential empowering impact of digital storytelling (DST) as a participatory, art-based research method, particularly with young adults with migration backgrounds. Drawing on a DST workshop conducted in Luxembourg as part of a European project on migrant integration, the study explores how creative, participant-led digital storytelling can foster engagement in knowledge production and contribute to feelings of empowerment. Rather than viewing empowerment as a fixed outcome, the research highlights its processual and relational nature—emerging through reflection, narrative construction, and shared vulnerability. The analysis is based on digital stories created by three participants, as well as interviews conducted immediately after the workshop and one year later. These data reveal how participants navigated self-representation, negotiated visibility and privacy, and developed a deeper understanding of their lived experiences through the process of creating their own digital story.

Disciplines :

Human geography & demography
Social & behavioral sciences, psychology: Multidisciplinary, general & others

Author, co-author :

BISSINGER, Jutta ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) > Department of Geography and Spatial Planning (DGEO) > Geography and Spatial Planning

GILODI, Amalia ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences > Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences > Team Isabelle ALBERT ; Radboud University

RICHARD, Catherine ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences > Department of Geography and Spatial Planning > Team Birte NIENABER

OLIVEIRA, José ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences > Department of Geography and Spatial Planning > Team Birte NIENABER

NIENABER, Birte ; University of Luxembourg

External co-authors :

no

Language :

English

Title :

Unpacking the Complex Impact of Digital Storytelling in Migration Research: An Empowering Method?

Publication date :

December 2025

Journal title :

International Journal of Qualitative Methods

ISSN :

1609-4069

Publisher :

SAGE Publications

Volume :

24

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Focus Area :

Migration and Inclusive Societies

Development Goals :

11. Sustainable cities and communities
10. Reduced inequalities

Additional URL :

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/16094069251407076

European Projects :

H2020 - 870700 - MIMY - EMpowerment through liquid Integration of Migrant Youth in vulnerable conditions

Funders :

Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
European Union

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since 15 December 2025

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