Refugees’ Labor Market Integration in the Context of a Polarized Public Discourse

Abstract

The public discourse on the integration of refugees into the German society and the labor market in Germany in particular is polarized. How does the transition of refugees to work can be made possible and how does it currently take place? There is little evidence, how refugees can be successfully placed on the labor market. Exemplary qualitative case studies are presented that address processes and mechanisms which facilitate or hinder effective transitions. In a tense social and political climate, the interplay between employment integration, recognition options, and the social participation of refugees as essential factors of sustainability should be considered.