Résumé
This article discusses differential inclusion as it relates to mobility in Europe through migrants' experiences of the closure of the European Union (EU) Schengen borders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on 36 comparative online interviews with three groups of migrants – Erasmus students, asylum seekers and seasonal workers – the article empirically investigates how differential inclusion is reflected in migrants' perceptions of border closures and the impact of border closures on international mobility. Drawing on the concept of differential inclusion, I examine the divergent border mobilities in a moment of crisis. In the interviews, migrants' reflections on borders are informed either by their own perception of borders, their surprise at the lack of awareness of borders for other migrants, or the realisation that closed borders are crossed for capitalist economic demands under high health risks. Taking this as its basis, the article makes two arguments. First, that preexisting differential inclusion exacerbated during border closures in a global health emergency. Second, that borders are not concrete but flexible in (im)mobilising people according to capitalist economic demands. In this way, the article contributes to an understanding of the process of rebordering that took place during COVID-19 and in which borders remained spaces of differentiation. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Politics is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
Résumé
BackgroundThere has been significant concern about the wellbeing of children and young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of lockdown and school closures. Social distancing has led to some young people and their families feeling isolated and unable to access appropriate support. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has highlighted an increase in mental health presentations and disordered eating. Targeting enjoyable and worthwhile interventions which have a positive impact on self-esteem and confidence can improve the resilience of young people.ObjectivesOur aim was to listen to the voices of young people about their experiences of volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact this has had on their wellbeing so we can shape and influence future opportunities in the youth sector.MethodsWe interviewed young people between the ages of 10 and 17 years who have volunteered with St John Ambulance as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Opportunities they had participated in included:Logistics support, including packing and shipping orders for clinical equipment and stocking ambulancesTraining the emergency response and communication course elements for volunteer vaccinatorsSupporting the public working as a vaccination care volunteer at mass vaccination centresFacilitating online engagement opportunities for other youth volunteersThere was an initial online focus group to share ideas about volunteering and its impact on wellbeing and each young person subsequently produced a written statement about their volunteering experiences using semi-structured questions provided for guidance. These statements were used to identify themes for further exploration and discussion about the provision of volunteering opportunities for young people.ResultsThe young people all agreed that volunteering had a very positive impact on their wellbeing. They felt they had improved their capability across a variety of domains and had experienced new opportunities. These included presenting and teaching both face-to-face and using technology, developing engagement session resources and organising people and processes. This enhanced their confidence and adaptability. One young person commented that he was proud his calm and friendly communication had enabled him to put the public at ease in vaccination centres thus improving their experience.The young people felt they had something to look forward to which gave them a break from the potential boredom of lockdown and reduced their focus on negative aspects of the pandemic, especially isolation. Being active increased happiness and they felt part of a supportive team working towards a goal which gave them purpose. They expressed pride in the direct impact that their work has had on their communities and the pandemic response.ConclusionsFacilitating the involvement of young people as part of the pandemic response has had a positive impact on their wellbeing through challenging circumstances. Promoting volunteering opportunities for them leads to an increased feeling of belonging through participation in their communities, enhances their transferable skills and fosters a sense of pride in the positive impact of their contributions. These experiences will help youth services focus on opportunities which benefit health.