Solidarity in times of a pandemic: What do people do, and why? A comparative and longitudinal study

We propose a comparative study that explores how people in nine European countries react to restrictive measures introduced to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2. We aim to gain insights into, (1) new behaviours in which people engage, (2) the motivations that underpin people's actions, and (3) how people's actions contribute to notions of solidarity. Our findings will provide a deep understanding of how the COVID-19 crisis affects people's lives in several European countries. Moreover, we will contribute to scholarship on the relationship between societal crises and solidarity. We have already carried out one wave of qualitative interviews during the time of lockdown (April 2020). Pending a positive funding decision, we will invite the same individuals for another interview six months later to obtain a longitudinal perspective. We will analyse the data using a Grounded Theory approach.