Current Discussions in the German Integration Debate

Abstract

Current integration discussion about the Turkish population in Germany is influenced by cultural essentialism. The political and social components of integration are by and large being neglected. The incorporation of migrants of Turkish origin into the society is praised as a superior target for the cohesion of the whole society‚ whilst cultural – national and religious – identities of Turkish migrants are comprehended as the real hurdles for the achievement of it. The scene is generally dominated by popular culturalist views of different authors‚ who blame the Turks of allegedly homogeneous Turkish group being incapable to be decent members of the society due to their cultural identity. In contrast to these mostly normative and emotional approaches to the issue‚ empirical evidence reveals a different picture : Shortcomings in the overall education system‚ delayed integration policies and structural national – and global – problems in the labour market seem to be the genuine reasons of failures. The migrant integration could be enhanced by creating equal opportunities for all members of the society in all societal levels. To challenge the existent and emerging future problems of migrant incorporation and diversity management‚ which should be free of emotional cultural essentialist views‚ the focus should be placed on the novel opportunities of inner and inter – state partnerships‚ using governance options in trans – national social spaces‚ so to achieve a higher level of social equity and reconciliation within a pluralistic society‚ hence a society‚ which should consist of members with equal rights and duties.