Mixed Methods to Empower Migrant Youth in Vulnerable Conditions: a place-based, migrant-centered international project

Scientific Conference (2020, July 02)

In this methodological paper, we will present a newly established international and interdisciplinary research project focusing on empowering young migrants in vulnerable conditions and supporting ... [more ▼]

In this methodological paper, we will present a newly established international and interdisciplinary research project focusing on empowering young migrants in vulnerable conditions and supporting integration strategies within the EU in a unique and comprehensive mixed methods research design combining secondary analysis with qualitative empirical data. The triangulation of results from different sources and methods will help to provide a deeper insight into the integration processes from the perspectives of migrants, host nationals and experts. In the framework of MIMY, financed by H2020 and comprising 12 consortium members from 11 disciplines and 9 European countries, we will focus on various challenges of integration strategies of young migrants in vulnerable conditions, considering different sectors from the perspective of different actors, at macro-, meso- and micro-levels. This will help to explain the successes and failures of integration over migrants’ life courses as well as the long-term consequences for migrant communities and the hosting society. The research design of MIMY follows several steps: 1) desk research - literature review, content analysis, mapping exercises, 2) quantitative secondary data analysis, policy and discourse analysis, 3) qualitative empirical studies, and 4) synthesizing and synergizing all findings and drawing policy recommendations. The present paper will outline how this project integrates qualitative and quantitative methods by using an innovative, multi-method approach (e.g. policy analyses, delphi study, focus groups, in-depth qualitative interviews, participatory action research) in order to explore vulnerability and resilience of young migrants in cross-national perspectives combining policy analysis with demographic, sociological, psychological, discursive, and ethnographic analysis. [less ▲]

Why is it so hard? And for whom? Obstacles to intra-European mobility

in Migration Letters (2019)

Even though intra-European youth mobility is valued as a boost for personal and professional development, few opt for it. While obstacles preventing young people to become mobile have been discussed ... [more ▼]

Even though intra-European youth mobility is valued as a boost for personal and professional development, few opt for it. While obstacles preventing young people to become mobile have been discussed broadly, less attention has been paid to the obstacles for the youth who are already on the move. We offer this rare perspective in regard to intra-European mobility. We focus on youth in four types: pupil mobility, vocational (education and training) mobility, higher education student (degree and credit) mobility and employment mobility, in six countries: Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania and Spain. Our analysis, based on qualitative (140 interviews) and quantitative (N=1.682) data, reveals that the perceived obstacles vary between the mobility types, with the greatest divergence between the educational and work-related mobilities. Obstacles such as lack of financial resources and guidance, the perceived incompatibility of institutional regulations within Europe, are shared by all mobile youth. [less ▲]

Was bedeutet jung und mobil? Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt MOVE

Article for general public (2018)

MOVE (Mapping mobility - pathways, institutions and structural effects of youth mobility in Europe) dealt with intra-European mobility (May 2015 - April 2018). The text sets out recommendations for action ... [more ▼]

MOVE (Mapping mobility - pathways, institutions and structural effects of youth mobility in Europe) dealt with intra-European mobility (May 2015 - April 2018). The text sets out recommendations for action on youth mobility. [less ▲]

Brexit: Mind the gap! Die Bedeutung regionaler Disparitäten auf politische Weichenstellungen

Article for general public (2017)

Die Ergebnisse des Referendums am 23. Juni 2016 im Vereinigten Königreich (VK) sind ein Beweis dafür, dass regionale Disparitäten und der territoriale Zusammenhalt innerhalb eines Landes politisch ... [more ▼]

Die Ergebnisse des Referendums am 23. Juni 2016 im Vereinigten Königreich (VK) sind ein Beweis dafür, dass regionale Disparitäten und der territoriale Zusammenhalt innerhalb eines Landes politisch relevante Faktoren darstellen [less ▲]