Reflections on Researching Second-Generation Migrant Youths Amidst COVID-19 and Beyond: Challenges and Lessons for Future Researchers

Authors

Betty Chiyangwa, University of Johannesburg, South AfricaFollow

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for researchers to adapt to innovative methodologies in qualitative research. I reflect on my doctoral experiences, examining the challenges I faced and lessons I learned during data collection amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. I explore the hurdles faced, mitigation measures adopted, and lessons for future researchers, using a reflective qualitative design that integrates my personal narrative and thematic analysis. The analysis included a systematic coding process, underpinned by critical narrative inquiry, reflections, observations and an analysis of my field notes. Six hurdles emerged during the data analysis process amidst COVID-19: (1) experiences of having to link traditional and innovative data collection methods; (2) my practical considerations for research conducted during pandemics, (3) emotional challenges; (4) my insider/outsider positionality and associated complexities of being a migrant myself; (5) applying compassion but not offering solutions; and (6) reconsidering ethical and practical concerns during COVID-19 and how I navigated the challenges, including participants’ reactions and the lessons I learned during the research process. The intersection of traditional research methods (such as in-person interviews) and innovative methods (utilizing online platforms) will likely be a challenge in the face of future global pandemics.

Keywords

COVID-19, qualitative methodology, online platforms, migrants, reflection

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Betty Chiyangwa is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. She obtained her doctoral qualification in May 2023. Her thesis examined the daily experiences of second-generation Mozambican migrant youth's identity and sense of belonging in post-apartheid South Africa. Her research interests are centred on migration studies, youth development, rural education and women empowerment. Her recent publication, “Second-Generation Mozambican Migrant Youth Narratives of Being Born in Limbo in South Africa,” is accessible at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381288798_Second-generation_Mozambican_migrant_youth_narratives_of_being_born_in_Limbo_in_South_Africa. Her work has been presented at international and national conferences, and she is open for collaborations in the above-stated research areas. Her email address is bettychiyangwa@yahoo.com

Acknowledgements

I am grateful for the emotional and financial support I received from my colleagues and family members during this article writing.

Publication Date

11-30-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2025.7060

Recommended APA Citation

Chiyangwa, B. (2025). Reflections on researching second-generation migrant youths amidst COVID-19 and beyond: Challenges and lessons for future researchers. The Qualitative Report, 30(11), 4721-4743. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2025.7060

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0909-5339

ResearcherID

0000-0002-0909-5339