Decolonial and Anti-Racist Research Methods

This module presents one researcher’s approach to applying decolonial and anti-racist methods through arts-based visual techniques with asylum seekers and refugees, emphasizing reciprocity and non-exploitative relationships over traditional extractive research practices.

Dr Laura Shobiye shares her experience developing research methods inspired by decolonial theory to avoid replicating colonial power dynamics of extraction and exploitation when working with asylum seekers and refugees. Her approach uses creative visual methods including drawings, photos, and digital stories to facilitate communication beyond verbal language, while practicing ongoing reciprocity through continued community engagement, teaching, and sharing research outputs in accessible formats.