An impressionistic orientation towards visual inquiry into the conduct of everyday life

Abstract

Increasingly qualitative research in psychology encompasses various visual materials. These are often analysed using existing qualitative approaches associated with analysing linguistic materials. In this reflexive article, we raise concerns regarding this proceduralized practice and present the conceptual groundwork for a flexible approach to visual inquiry that draws concepts and insights from the visual arts. The primary focus is on engaging with insights from Impressionism as a source of insight for a dynamic and subjective orientation towards visual inquiry and comprehension. To ground this orientation, we argue for the relevance of concepts (e.g., memesis, the flâneur, aesthetics) for efforts to extend visual inquiries into social psychology of everyday homelessness.