“What does racial equity mean to you?” -Using photovoice to explore college students’ viewpoints

Xifan Yang; Morgan Payne; Yingwei Yang; Charmaine DM Royal

doi:10.66815/ajqr/19218

Xifan Yang ¹ ^* , Morgan Payne ², Yingwei Yang ¹ ^* , Charmaine DM Royal ³

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 58-78

https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19218

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Abstract

Racial disparities often lead to health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, affecting overall health and quality of life. Additionally, racial and ethnic minorities report more perceived racism and discrimination, which is also significantly associated with negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore how college students understand and define racial equity using photovoice. This study engaged 11 college students in North Carolina through photovoice, a qualitative research method, which utilized photo-taking and discussions to explore U.S. college students’ perspectives on racial equity. Participants took 10-15 photos that represented their perspectives on racial equity. Following submission of the photos, a follow-up interview was conducted for participants to discuss the images, explain opinions on racial disparities, and provide recommendations for improving racial equity. Photos and photo discussions were transcribed, coded, and analyzed by the research team. This study identified five emerging themes, including 1) equal opportunities (e.g., high-quality educational opportunities, job opportunities, opportunity for success), 2) tangible support (e.g., large company support, community support), 3) social connectedness (e.g., working together, sharing and enjoying other cultures), 4) safe and inclusive environments (e.g., personal and environmental safety, inclusive environments), and 5) health justice (e.g., accessible health care, food security). The emerging themes identified in this study provide insights into how college students understand racial equity and might inform efforts to promote equity in college and community settings. Future research should continue exploring this topic and addressing racial equity concerns.

Keywords: Photovoice, community safety, young adults, participatory research, racial disparities, racism

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Citation

Yang, X., Payne, M., Yang, Y., & Royal, C. D. (2026). “What does racial equity mean to you?” -Using photovoice to explore college students’ viewpoints. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), 58-78. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19218

Yang, X., Payne, M., Yang, Y., and Royal, C. D. (2026). “What does racial equity mean to you?” -Using photovoice to explore college students’ viewpoints. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), pp. 58-78. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19218

Yang X, Payne M, Yang Y, Royal CD. “What does racial equity mean to you?” -Using photovoice to explore college students’ viewpoints. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4), 58-78. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19218

Yang, Xifan, Morgan Payne, Yingwei Yang, and Charmaine DM Royal. "“What does racial equity mean to you?” -Using photovoice to explore college students’ viewpoints". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2026 10 no. 4 (2026): 58-78. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19218

Yang, Xifan et al. "“What does racial equity mean to you?” -Using photovoice to explore college students’ viewpoints". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 10, no. 4, 2026, pp. 58-78. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19218

Yang X, Payne M, Yang Y, Royal CD. “What does racial equity mean to you?” -Using photovoice to explore college students’ viewpoints. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4):58-78. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19218