Learning Objective #1: discuss the complexity of context in a multi-cultural society and how it impacts on research

Learning Objective #2: understand the development of a cultural-sensitive reseasrch method that reflect contextually grounded symbolic meanings

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As qualitative researchers we endorse the fact that as humans we are embedded in the sociocultural context that we were born and socialised in. In a multi-cultural country such as South Africa we also acknowledges the fact that although people share the same historical moment with the more or less the same economic and/or sociocultural influences, their internalisation of the broader social, cultural and economic context will differ. This became evident in research projects we conducted and it was clear that there is no universal truth about the meanings that people attach to the challenges that they have to deal with, relationships and feelings. Research findings should always be contextualised to understand the nuanced meanings.

In this presentation the development and implementation of the Mmogo method is discussed as a culture-sensitive research method. Attention is given to the theoretical underpinning of the method. In the Mmogo method, research participants create their own data by making visual presentations that reflect contextually grounded symbolic meanings. Examples of research using the Mmogo-method are provided to illustrate its value and various application possibilities.