And now what? Changing fields and methodologies during the Covid-19 pandemic: from international mobilities to education

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic and the worldwide lockdown have brought about profound changes to the way in which fieldwork is done. During a time particularly marked by social distancing, how do social scientists cope with the need to alter their methodologies with fields in transition? This essay reflects upon the changes caused by the pandemic, both in the field and in the methodologies adopted by the authors – all in different phases of their PhD research. Drawing from their research areas, it focuses on two main thematic axes, both deeply affected by the current situation: international mobilities (of commodities and people) and education (in Portugal and abroad).