Focus Groups (Latvia)

This dataset contains transcripts of two focus groups conducted in Latvia in November 2025 on the reception of Ukrainian refugees in Latvia and broader questions of solidarity with refugees. Keywords: Russia-Ukraine war, solidarity, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, refugee reception, Ukrainian refugees, inter-minority grievances, recognition License and data availability: All Rights Reserved, access to the data is available upon request. 1. Authors and Contributors The focus group discussions were conducted by Iveta Kazoka, Centre for Public Policy Providus (ORCID 0009-0006-0487-2983). The questionnaire was designed by Iveta Kazoka, Centre for Public Policy Providus(ORCID 0009-0006-0487-2983 based on the consultation with Professor Gulnaz Sharafutdinova, King’s College London, (ORCID 0000-0003-2307-8209), and Iris Magne, King’s College London (ORCID 0009-0001-9353-5586). These focus group discussions were conducted under the Politics of Grievance and Democratic Governance (PLEDGE) project, project number 101132560. 2. Data Collection and Methodology The questionnaire for the focus group discussions was developed between summer and autumn 2025. Two online focus groups were conducted on 25 and 26 November 2025. Each group included seven participants, one with Latvian-speaking participants and the other with Russian-speaking participants. The discussions were conducted on Zoom, recorded, and anonymised. 3. File Overview There are two files in the repository: the anonymised transcripts of the two focus group discussions, one with Latvian-speaking participants and one with Russian-speaking participants. 4. Metadata and Variables The focus groups aimed at uncovering the content and dynamics of solidarity with Ukrainian refugees in the Latvian public. 5. Usage Notes The files are in Word format (.docx) and can be opened using Microsoft Word or similar applications. 6. Ethical and Legal Considerations Ethical approval for these interviews was granted by the Research Ethics Office at King’s College London on 4 November 2025 (reference number LRS/RGO-24/25-49779). Participants were recruited by the social research company SKDS using diversity-oriented criteria intended to capture variation in age, education, income, occupation, and place of residence. The focus group interviews were recoded and transcripts were anonymised. 7. Access and Licensing The underlying data are not freely downloadable. This dataset contains potentially sensitive material. Although anonymisation/pseudonymisation has been applied, the risk of re-identification cannot be completely excluded. Requests for access will therefore be considered on a case-by-case basis by the project team. Access will normally be limited to researchers for academic/non-commercial purposes. Applicants will be asked to provide information about their identity, affiliation, research project, and reasons for requesting access to the restricted files. They should also explain why access to the transcripts is necessary for their research, which parts of the dataset they wish to consult, how the data will be used, and how it will be stored and protected. Where relevant, applicants should provide evidence of ethical approval or confirmation that their institution has assessed that formal ethical approval is not required. In assessing requests, the project team will consider whether the proposed use of the data is compatible with the consent provided by participants and with the ethical approval granted for the research. The team will also consider whether the proposed data protection arrangements are adequate. Particular attention will be paid to the risk of re-identification, reputational harm, political sensitivity, or other potential risks to participants or third parties mentioned in the transcripts. If access is approved, users will be required to agree to specific conditions before receiving the files. These conditions will include using the data only for the approved research purpose, storing the files securely, not sharing them with anyone else, not attempting to identify participants, and not publishing quotations or contextual details that could compromise anonymity. Users will also be expected to delete the data at the end of the approved access period and to notify the project team immediately in the event of any accidental disclosure or data breach. The project team reserves the right to refuse, limit, or delay access where a request is incomplete, where the proposed use is not compatible with participant consent or ethical approval, or where the risks associated with sharing the data cannot be adequately mitigated. For access requests, please contact: Prof. Gulnaz Sharafutdinova, King’s College London, [e-mail]. 8. Citation Kazoka, I., Sharafutdinova, G. and Magne, I. (2026) ‘Focus Groups (Latvia)’. Zenodo. doi:10.5281/zenodo.20270000. 9. Contact Information Please contact Prof. Gulnaz Sharafutdinova, [e-mail], if you have any questions about the dataset.