To look, to be looked at, and to look at oneself: notes on the photographic camera use in research in social psychology of work

Abstract

After briefly considering the roles of looking in knowledge building, I examine the photographic camera use in research in social psychology of work. I start from the idea that knowledge building is a process of building visibilities expressed both in photography and in words. The camera acted as a mediator between the researcher and her subjects, and its promise of fixation opened paths to enhance my knowledge of the social values underlying the open-air market, the features of its organization processes, especially its network structure, and the close relationship of work, art and sociability.