Report

Practical guides for participatory methods: Mapping and power analysis

Think tank: Institute of Development Studies

Author(s): Joanna Howard

January 27, 2023

This report from UK think tank the Institute of Development Studies is a practical guide to create a visual map of the key resources and assets in a community.

This method enables participants to create a visual map of the key resources and assets in their community, organisation, workplace etc, that are important for their wellbeing and thriving. It is designed to encourage marginalised groups to visually represent and reflect on these resources and the power relations that shape who accesses and controls resources. They map and rank the actors who have more/less power, control and access, and discuss the reasons behind these differences. Finally, a discussion of possible strategies and actions for change can be facilitated.