Arts-Based and Participatory Action Research with Recycling Cooperatives

Worldwide, participatory action research along with arts-based methodologies has been applied in the context of marginalized groups to spark dialogue amongst participants with the ultimate goal of promoting social change. Here, we present two visual methodologies (Gossip Circle and Participatory Video) that we have developed as part of the Participatory Waste Management Programme (2006–2012) in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The stories shared by members of the recycling cooperatives affiliated with this programme illustrate the transformative potential these two methodologies embody to disrupt the status quo and engage participants in political conversations that affect their well-being.