ABSTRACT

This case study explored the evolution of a mutual aid network founded through virtual mediums and using digital technologies in response to the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Boston, MA area. We collected qualitative interviews with the network’s founders and focus groups with active members. We assessed findings through a framework provided by Nelson, Ochocka, Griffin, and Lord which identified four key characteristics of mutual aid: learning as an ongoing process, supportive relationships, empowerment, and social change. We discuss the implications for using mutual aid as an approach to community organizing and activism in contemporary times and in the context of a public crisis.

摘要

本案例研究探讨了通过虚拟媒体和使用数字技术建立的互助网络的演变，以应对马萨诸塞州波士顿地区 COVID-19 大流行的社会经济影响。我们收集了对网络创始人和活跃成员焦点小组的定性访谈。我们通过 Nelson、Ochocka、Griffin 和 Lord 提供的框架评估了调查结果，该框架确定了互助的四个关键特征：学习是一个持续的过程、支持性关系、赋权和社会变革。我们讨论了在当代和公共危机的背景下使用互助作为一种社区组织和行动的方法的影响。