ICOLMA in the Ruhr region

findings and reflections

Abstract

Our research on the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the livelihoods, mobilities and accessibility of marginalised groups in the Ruhr region focused on migrants. We found that pandemic impacts were highly variable, with some respondents experiencing sustained hardship since the pandemic, while others improved their situation and yet others kept their livelihood stable. Importantly, increased physical mobility emerged as an important coping strategy to deal with pandemic impacts such as job loss and financial constraints. While most respondents reported that they shifted several activities online, virtual access only helped some to improve their livelihoods, while others experienced limits in this regard, for example due to language barriers.