Vulnerability in Crisis: Lessons from the Experiences of the Most Marginalised during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe

Building resilience in individuals and societies has become a focal point of scientific research and practical innovations in the modern field of crisis management. For this, understanding the vulnerability and how it is shaped, is vital. In recent years the static perspective of vulnerability as intrinsic characteristics of certain groups is increasingly undermined and giving way to recognising the multiplicity of drivers and their interplay that render individuals vulnerable.

While acknowledging the dynamic and intersectional nature of vulnerability, it is evident that certain segments of society, such as marginalised groups, are burdened by multiple factors even prior to crises. Previous crisis have demonstrated that insufficient awareness about the needs and capabilities of the diverse society by the decision makers exacerbates previously existing vulnerabilities, creates new disadvantages and hinders access to services during disasters. However, very little attention has been paid to the pathways of vulnerability during disasters empirically.

Global COVID-19 pandemic brought higher mortality rates and increased risk of getting infected or being a hospital case among individuals with socio-economic disadvantages. This article combines empirical data from cross-sectional questionnaire survey among the 313 clients of care organisations like soup kitchens, day centres and living facilities in 13 European countries with 32 expert-interviews, 5 workshops and international colloquium with managers and staff of these organisations. The results show that situation of vulnerable people was worsened by decision-makers’ lack of awareness of their situation when implementing crisis measures. Similarly, crisis communication did not consider their needs and left the burden of reaching those who couldn’t receive or understand official information to social workers. Insights from this study deepen our understanding of the factors shaping vulnerability and their interaction. Leveraging this knowledge, social and institutional structures can be built to act as safety nets to anyone that becomes vulnerable when disasters hit.