Glasgow University Study to explore how lockdown impacts on some of the most vulnerable in Scotland
Research will focus on groups already experiencing isolation or societal exclusion prior to the pandemic.
The study runs through November 2020 and is now recruiting for participants.
Researchers working with nearly 20 partner organisations serving at risk groups.
A team based at Glasgow University are now recruiting participants for research that explores how lockdown may be differently experienced by those who are already isolated or marginalised.
It focusses on four groups – those affected by:
- refugee and asylum processes and facing destitution;
- domestic abuse or sexual violence;
- disability or long-term health conditions; and,
- criminal justice control (e.g. in prison or community supervised)
The study aims to help inform Government efforts to prevent further hardship and inequalities.
The study is funded by the Chief Scientist Office of Scotland and is one of numerous projects supported under its Rapid Research Call for Covid-19 projects. While some research funded under this call focusses on medical and related scientific breakthroughs, this project addresses the social dimensions and impacts of Covid-19.
The study is led by Prof Sarah Armstrong of the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research and Dr Lucy Pickering of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, both part of Sociology at the University of Glasgow. It involves a large research team of 25 including 18 investigators and 6 PhD and postdoctoral research assistants.
Prof Armstrong said: “It has now become clear to all that the pandemic does not affect us all equally, we are not all in it together. Just as important, lockdown doesn’t affect us all equally either. For the person isolated with her abuser, or the person who cannot enjoy the gradual easing of lockdown because they are shielding, or the child who has been unable to visit a parent in prison for over three months – lockdown intensifies pre-existing hardships.”
She continued, “This study seeks to document the voices and experiences of those who may be impacted more significantly than most.”
Dr Pickering noted: “We aim to reveal the ways that the response to a pandemic can interact with pre-existing inequalities.”
“At the same time,” Dr Pickering added, “we hope also to learn of ways that we could address inequalities, or to discover that people who have had to cope longer than many of us with isolation can teach us something about not only surviving but new ways of thriving in these conditions.”
The team is now recruiting participants, aiming for at least 100 interviews. They are also preparing an online survey for organisations to capture the picture of the challenges and adaptations of those providing services to vulnerable groups. Those interested in learning more or participating can check out the project website https://scotlandinlockdown.co.uk, email scotlockdown@glasgow.ac.uk or call 0141 330 7715.
The research will be conducted between now and the end of November, but the research team will provide regular updates and early findings briefings on the study website.
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Notes to editors
- Scotland in Lockdown: study website: https://scotlandinlockdown.co.uk Twitter:@LockScot
- CSO Funded Research under Rapid Covid-19 Call: https://www.cso.scot.nhs.uk/covidcalloutcome/
- Overall project queries: scotlockdown@glasgow.ac.uk
- Media contacts for specific groups
- Refugee and asylum: Gareth.Mulvey@glasgow.ac.uk and Teresa.Piacentini@glasgow.ac.uk
- Domestic abuse or sexual violence: Oona.Brooks@glasgow.ac.uk and Michele.Burman@glasgow.ac.uk
- Disability: Nicola.burns@glasgow.ac.uk or Philippa.Wiseman@glasgow.ac.uk
- long-term health conditions: Christopher.Bunn@glasgow.ac.uk
- Prison or community sanctions: Marguerite.Schinkel@glasgow.ac.uk or Caitlin.Gormley@glasgow.ac.uk
Press contact:
Email of press contact for further detail or to set up radio/broadcast interview with named investigator: scotlockdown@glasgow.ac.uk
