Verena Seibel (Utrecht University) has received an ERC Starting Grant for her project SHADOW (The shadow of migrants’ social networks: Towards a new theory of how social networks can increase migrants’ economic vulnerability). While social networks are often seen as sources of support—they offer information, contacts, and resources—with SHADOW, Verena wants to investigate how they can also create negative externalities. Effects that undermine the economic security of migrant populations. By revealing both the negative and positive aspects of social support, SHADOW will help policymakers and practitioners design better interventions that strengthen beneficial connections and counteract harmful dynamics. Ultimately, this will improve the economic position of migrants in Europe.
