Liminal logic: Peacebuilding and photovoice in Jerusalem

Abstract

Photography and other visual methods have become invaluable tools in peacebuilding and urban studies, enabling citizens to explore their circumstances and voice grievances. These methods provide insights into spatial dynamics, aesthetics, and identity, crucial for understanding individual perspectives. While their role in capturing urban liminality is acknowledged, further investigation is needed, especially in contested cities affected by ongoing conflicts. In such cities, visual methods can offer significant insights into liminal spaces, narratives, and logic, shedding light on urban geopolitics. Focusing on Jerusalem as a case study, this research explores how visual methods, particularly photovoice, illuminate the liminal aspects of urban geopolitics. Through a comparative analysis of focus groups (Israelis, Palestinians, and bi-national) within a photovoice project, the research uncovers the complex nature of liminal logic, especially how city residents integrate and balance various rationalities such as urban and national, gender and religion, age and profession. However, the analysis also reveals constraints on applying liminal logic and potential change among disadvantaged groups, particularly Palestinians, highlighting the need for future examination.