Unpacking Paradoxes in Times of Crisis: How Civil Society Organizations Shape Processes of Vulnerabilization

Civil society organizations (CSOs) hold a crucial yet ambivalent position in systems of social security. The article questions to what extent CSOs contribute to processes of de- and re-vulnerabilization during crisis. We understand vulnerabilization as a dynamic, relational and political process, rather than a fixed attribute of predefined groups. Drawing on findings from four interdisciplinary research projects on CSOs’ responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland, we identify three interlocking paradoxes that illuminate this dynamic. The trust–exposure paradox shows how certain requirements for support can deter those most vulnerabilized; the adaptability–prioritization paradox illustrates how rising demand and limited resources force CSOs to prioritize in ways that may disadvantage individuals less able to navigate formal procedures; and the deformalisation–control paradox captures emerging power asymmetries as CSOs expand their roles and responsibilities during crisis conditions. The article concludes by emphasizing that organizational heterogeneity within the CSO sector constitutes a strategic resource: the coexistence of different institutional positions, levels of autonomy, and modes of engagement enables a collective capacity to mitigate vulnerabilization while navigating these inherent tensions.