Navigating Spaces: Strategic Transformation of Civic Engagement during the so-called Refugee Crisis 2015

• In Event: NGOS in Refugee Integration and Services

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution of civic spaces used by civil society and public administration in the context of the 2015 refugee crisis and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on two German cities. It examines the dynamic changes and strategic navigations within these civic spaces, influenced by exogenous shocks such as crises.
The study is anchored in the construct of strategic action fields (Fligstein & McAdam, 2012). This multidimensional perspective on strategic action fields is helpful in examining the complex interactions, strategic manoeuvres and changes that can be observed in the landscape of civic engagement in times of crisis(Evers & von Essen, 2019).
Based on a constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2010), the study draws on ethnographic fieldwork, including 30 observation protocols, qualitative interviews and analysis of various documents. This empirical richness allows for a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between actors and the strategic shifts within the sectors involved.
The study shows that the refugee crisis acted as an exogenous shock, triggering significant expansions, the emergence of new actors and recalibrations within the fields of civic engagement.
In elaborating on the findings, the study identifies space as a key resource in the strategic action fields. Specifically, three types of space were identified: physical workspace, gathering space and space as a social field. Our focus is primarily on space as a social field, which is an abstract arena where actors negotiate roles and positions and strategically compete for influence, resources and space.
Before the refugee crisis, there was a well-established system of predefined roles and spaces occupied by different actors, including welfare organisations. The crisis led to a transformative expansion of the field, introducing new actors and reshuffling positions and resources. This turbulent environment led to a scramble for space and resources and paved the way for smaller organisations to gain significant volunteers and influence.
The changes also revealed a dynamic interplay between volunteers and public authorities. Initially, in response to the crisis, there was a complementary synergy, with volunteers filling the gaps left by overstretched public authorities and fostering a collaborative ethos. However, as new professionals entered the scene and public authorities strengthened their capacities, tensions and competition emerged, leading to a strategic race for influence and control over resources and spaces.
The subsequent COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity, subtly reinforcing existing trends and dynamics rather than drastically altering the landscape. Restrictions led to a contraction of active volunteering spaces, highlighting the ability of public authorities to further dominate strategic arenas of action.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into how civil society spaces adapt and change in response to crises. The nuanced examination of strategic fields of action in the context of refugee response provides an important perspective on local crisis responses that can be useful for understanding and navigating the landscape of civic engagement in the midst of crises. The findings highlight the resilience, fluidity and strategic adaptability of civic spaces and enrich the global discourse on civic engagement, public governance and crisis response.

References

Charmaz, K. (2010). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis (Repr). Sage Publications Ltd.
Evers, A. & von Essen, J. (2019). Volunteering and Civic Action: Boundaries Blurring, Boundaries Redrawn. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 30(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-018-00086-0
Fligstein, N. & McAdam, D. (2012). A theory of fields. Oxford University Press.
Schmid, V. (2022). Dynamiken lokaler Flüchtlingshilfe. Springer VS

Author

• Verena Schmid, Intersectoral School of Governance BW, DHBW CAS