Adapting quantitative survey procedures: The price for assessing vulnerability? Lessons from a large-scale survey on aging and migration in Switzerland

TitreAdapting quantitative survey procedures: The price for assessing vulnerability? Lessons from a large-scale survey on aging and migration in Switzerland
Type de publicationBook Chapter
Year of Publication2016
AuteursKaeser, L
ÉditeurOris, M, Roberts, C, Joye, D, Ernst Stähli, M
Book TitleSurveying human vulnerabilities across the life course
Series TitleLife Course Research and Social Policies
Chapter3
Pagination65-85
PublisherSpringer
Place PublishedNew York
ISBN Number978-3-319-24157-9
Résumé

This chapter aims at understanding the issues of capturing vulnerable populations in large-scale quantitative surveys. A dilemma in survey construction arises when a target vulnerable population to be analyzed cannot be reached using standard survey designs. Indeed, adapting standard procedures may improve access to the targeted vulnerable population; however, these changes may lead to inaccurate comparisons with other population samples. To address this issue, this chapter deals with the data collection process of the large-scale survey on aging Vivre/Leben/Vivere: Old Age Democratization? Progress and Inequalities in Switzerland (VLV). It highlights the need to adjust standard procedures of a quantitative survey to access elderly migrants and the impact of doing so. Results show the need for a constant dialogue between the scientific requirements and realities of fieldwork to avoid an under-representation in surveys. Finally, providing resources to assess vulnerability is not only a methodological engagement; this is also a major social issue about giving a voice to the voiceless.

DOI10.1007/978-3-319-24157-9_3