(Re)producing change in migration studies: Methodological reflections from a longitudinal qualitative panel study with Ukrainian protection holders in Germany

Longitudinal qualitative panels (LQPs) are a well-established method in social sciences and increasingly used in migration research. A panel approach can be useful for examining migrants’ trajectories as they unfold, and thus for understanding their pathways to settlement, education, or employment. Qualitative approach promises to produce open and in-depth knowledge and better reflect the subjective perspectives of migrants, for example, when it comes to their mobility decisions and how these are negotiated in relation to structural conditions, family obligations, or personal aspirations. Yet the methodological reflection on the application of LQP designs specifically in migration research is still limited. We want to add to this emerging field by reflecting on the LQPs we conducted with Ukrainians who fled to Germany in 2022. Past literature argued that an understanding of change is essential for the design of an LQP, for example, the frequency of waves. Using examples from the collected narrations, we discuss the relevance of the participants’ and the researchers’ understandings of change for LQP design and research findings, and formulate suggestions for future research. Our conclusions are relevant to scholars worldwide working qualitatively when studying migrants and refugees but can find application also beyond these fields.