Between Two Cultures: Multiculturalism and Voices of Children of Turkish Guest Workers on the Failed Project

Abstract

This research explores German multiculturalism departing from the debate on failing to build a multicultural society. It demonstrates examples of lived experiences and voices of migrant children once objects become active subjects in breaking stereotypes and misconceptions. Multiculturalism in Germany is associated with immigration and non-European guest workers. Immigration and the “foreigner” problem started with the settlement of guest workers, who were invited as a need to fill the lack of labor force, in the West-Germany, after the Second World War. The request for a labor force did not intend to create immigrant communities with cultural differences to settle into the society. Thus, integration into German society became essential to prevent problems seemingly coming from migrant communities. “Leitkultur” [leading culture], embodying notions of monocultural German society and cultural identification of “Germanity,” influenced educational approach, recognition of diversity, and social equality towards immigrant children. Nevertheless, migrant children found ways to deal with multicultural issues and empower themselves to build a multicultural society in their understanding.