Date: April 24, 2025

Social mapping is a qualitative research methodology that falls under the participatory research method umbrella. We previously highlighted participatory mapping in our last blog post of the Research Methods Highlight series.

Let’s talk briefly about the difference between participatory mapping and social mapping before delving into this week’s blog post.

While some might choose to use these terms interchangeably, participatory mapping encompasses a broader term for the involvement of local people in creating a map designed for sharing cultural knowledge, gathering perspectives, and facilitating decision-making. Social mapping is a type of participatory mapping that refers specifically to the mapping of households and social institutions. This can be particularly useful when developing and implementing social and behavioural change strategies to prevent and treat neglected tropical diseases, using key locations identified in the social map.

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