Qualitative Interviews with Irregular Migrants in Times of COVID-19

Author(s)
Maria Gruber, Jakob-Moritz Eberl, Fabienne Lind, Hajo Boomgaarden
Abstract

Research designs require flexibility, and adjustments made to the designs do not always have to lead exclusively to disadvantages. In this research note, we would like to share our reflections on the impact of COVID-19 on the conduct of qualitative interviews with irregular migrants. Since these considerations were developed in close connection with one of our own projects, in which fieldwork is currently in the planning phase, we believe they may be relevant to similar projects. We include a brief remark on the current situation of irregular migrants in different (European) countries, as well as an assessment of the methodological feasibility of qualitative face-to-face interviews with irregular migrants and possible alternatives to this method such as remote and online interview formats. We conclude with insights on our recommendation to rely on a mixed-mode approach, which allows us to use various remote interview modes, thus providing the necessary flexibility to adapt to profound health and social crises such as COVID-19.

Organisation(s)
Department of Communication
Journal
Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung
Volume
22
No. of pages
15
ISSN
1438-5627
DOI
https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-22.1.3563
Publication date
2021
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
508007 Communication science, 508014 Journalism
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Social Sciences(all)
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/qualitative-interviews-with-irregular-migrants-in-times-of-covid19(6b4b3522-6d27-4016-9f76-39f24e1a3033).html