Sociological Methods & Research
Rationale and Methodologies for Surveying Vulnerable Neighborhoods: Lessons From Three Nordic Countries
- Peter Esaiasson
- Kim Mannemar Sønderskov
- Henning Finseraas
- Niels Nyholt
- Oskar Rönnberg
- Jacob Sohlberg
- Mari Vaattovaara
2026-05-16
The paper argues for the value of conducting surveys in vulnerable neighborhoods and provides a detailed account of a cost-effective strategy for surveying a recognized hard-to-survey population. The approach is illustrated through insights from the Vulnerable Neighborhoods Survey, conducted in three Nordic countries. The strategy focuses on a small number of specific neighborhoods and implements a range of measures to lower participation barriers. A key component involves combining random and non-random sampling techniques to facilitate the recruitment of a broad segment of residents. According to comparisons with registry data, the strategy produces samples that resemble the population on multiple demographic factors.