Turkish Migrants Research Articles

Changes in recreation use in response to urban heat differ between migrant and non-migrant green space users in Vienna, Austria

Previous research has found higher levels of heatwave mortality and morbidity among urban residents with a migration background because of their social, health and environmental conditions. The purpose of the study was to investigate and compare heat induced changes in the outdoor recreation behaviours of Turkish migrants with those of non-migrants on hot days in Vienna. Specifically, the study compared coping behaviours due to heat such as inter-area, intra-area, temporal and activity displacement between migrants and non-migrants. The study interviewed 400 migrants and non-migrants in four public green spaces of different area sizes and asked about their outdoor recreation motives and activities, as well as behavioural changes, due to summer heat. Results show that migrants have different motives for visiting urban green spaces on hot days, and that they visit these less frequently on hot days compared to non-migrants. While both groups shift their outdoor uses more to shady areas and the cooler times of the day, more migrants visit green spaces in the afternoon, perform more energetic recreational activities, and use sunnier sites more frequently than non-migrants on hot days. Few migrants and non-migrants stated that they would visit alternative green spaces when it is hot. The results indicate that migrants’ behaviours result in higher heat exposure, while making less use of the opportunities larger green spaces such as forests can provide for heat relief. Recommendations on how green and city planners could reduce heat related health risks for both study groups are presented.

Psychosocial adaptation of Turkish return migrants and factors affecting their intention to remigrate to Europe: Personality, perceived discrimination, ethnic identity

The current study explores individual differences in the readaptation processes of Turkish return migrants from Western Europe, and investigates the roles that personality, satisfaction with life in the migration context, perceived discrimination, ethnic identity, and demographic variables play in the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of returnees. The factors predicting better psychological and sociocultural adaptation of returnees, and the factors causing them to have intention to remigrate to Europe, were scrutinized. The study involved 184 individuals, aged 15–72 years (M = 42), from three generations. Forty percent of returnees reported that they have intention to remigrate to Europe, this intention being predicted by host country ethnic identity and sense of belonging. Neuroticism, perceived discrimination and senses of belonging were found to be the main predictors of the psychosocial readaptation of Turkish migrants. The mediation analysis showed that psychological adaptation mediated the effect of sociocultural adaptation on the general wellbeing of return migrants. The results are discussed within the theories of acculturation.

Lexical Access in L1 Attrition—Competition versus Frequency: A Comparison of Turkish and Moroccan Attriters in the Netherlands

Abstract Lexical access and lexical diversity are often assumed to be vulnerable to first language (L1) attrition. They also differ between monolinguals and nonimmersed bilinguals. This raises the question whether lexical attrition can be ascribed to nonuse or to competition between the two languages. We compare two populations of late L2 learners of Dutch living in the Netherlands. One of them was largely monolingual prior to emigration (Turkish migrants), while the other comes from a highly multilingual society (Morocco). While both experimental populations should be affected by erosion due to nonuse, we expect competition effects to be more strongly pronounced when compared against a monolingual versus a multilingual baseline population. The results show that this is not the case with attrition effects being even stronger in the Moroccan group than in the Turkish group. Furthermore, there is no impact of individual measures of frequency of exposure or language attitudes among the attriters. We conclude that being immersed in an L2 environment leads to weakening of lexical access.

Reducing suicidal ideation among Turkish migrants in the Netherlands and in the UK: the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of a guided online intervention

BackgroundThe evidence for the effectiveness of e-mental health interventions among ethnic minorities is still preliminary. This mixed methods study investigates the feasibility of a culturally adapted, guided online intervention with the intention to understand how it works and for whom to inform refinement. It also examines its likely effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation when compared with the treatment as usual.MethodsTurkish migrants with mild to moderate suicidal thoughts were recruited from the general population using social media and newspaper advertisements. The intervention group obtained direct access to a 6-week guided online intervention while participants in the waiting list condition had to wait for 6 weeks. The intervention is based on an existing online intervention and was culturally adapted. Participants in both conditions completed baseline, post-test, and follow-up questionnaires on suicidal ideation (primary outcome), depression, worrying, hopelessness, suicide attempt and self-harm, acculturation, quality of life, and usability. In addition, participants were interviewed to examine the feasibility and mechanisms of action in more depth. The responses were analysed by inductive thematic analysis.ResultsEighty-five people signed up via the study website, and we included 18 (10 intervention, 8 waitlist control). While the therapeutic benefits were emphasised (e.g. feeling connected with the intervention), the feasibility was judged to be low. The main reasons given were not having severe suicidal thoughts and not being represented by the culturally adapted intervention. No suicide attempts were recorded during the study. The suicidal ideation, depression, and hopelessness scores were improved in both groups.ConclusionAlthough intended to be a definitive trial, the current study became a feasibility study with process evaluation to understand the components and how they operate. The online intervention was not superior to the control condition. Future studies need to attend the implementation issues raised including measures of stigma, acculturation, and careful cultural adaptations alongside more attention to coaching and relational support. They should also consider how to improve engagement alongside selection of those who are motivated to use online interventions and offer alternatives for those who are not.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register, NTR5028. Registered on 1 March 2015

Relational ambivalence: Exploring the social and discursive dimensions of ambivalence – The case of Turkish aging labor migrants

Many of Vienna’s labor migrants who entered Austria as so-called “guest workers” together with their spouses long nurtured the dream of returning to their country of origin, at the latest when they retired. By then, however, returning became less than straightforward leading to ambivalence regarding questions of belonging/return and transnational mobility and late-life care. Based on rich qualitative data, in this article, I show that ambivalences are found in the complexity of migrants’ narratives, particularly in the way they (1) reassess past choices, (2) negotiate feelings of belonging, and (3) assess future options for late life and care. I argue that the social dimension of ambivalence, which I term “relational ambivalence,” is crucial to understanding the labor migrants’ experiences, reflections, and choices. The analysis shows that ambivalence must be understood as a product of relationships rather than solely an individual experience. The concept of relational ambivalence captures these social and discursive dimensions of ambivalence. The article ultimately carves out the particularity of ambivalence in the general context of migration and in the specific context of Vienna’s labor migrants, while accepting feelings of ambivalence or the simultaneity of different, opposing positions in one and the same person as a core human experience.

ТУРКИ ЗА ПРЕДЕЛАМИ РОДИНЫ : ИММИГРАЦИЯ, ЭТНИЧНОСТЬ И РЕЛИГИЯ

The review characterizes the publications of ten contemporary Turkish specialists analyzing the situation of Turkish migrants outside Turkey. Their experiences in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Great Britain, and the United States are described. Each section of the survey draws on field research on the lived religious experience of Turks in Europe and North America, shaped around religious and civic organizations dedicated to protecting the interests of the Turkish diaspora. The current situation of Turkish communities, which have become settled communities and have moved away from the goals of initial migration, is of importance to both host countries and Turkey itself. The studies characterized in this review purport to make an important contribution to understanding the culture of the contemporary West, which is undergoing enormous strain in its progression from liberal multiculturalism to conservatism.

Implementation of Turkish Foreign Policies and Government Support as Driving Forces of Promoting International Students

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the implementation of Turkish foreign policies and the government support as the key drivers of promoting international students to study in Turkey. As a way of internationalization of higher education, the study also reviewed the recent development of migration policies and the Grand Student Projects Support as related to the trends of international student movement in Turkey as compared to the other countries in the world. In this literature review article, a search for required and reliable source of information has been made with regard to the subject area using computer and electronic databases; Organization for Co-operation and Development (OECD), Routledge, SAGE, Council of Higher Education of Turkey (CoHE) and The Ministry of National Education of Turkey (MoNE), UNESCO Institution for statistics, Turkish National Education Statistics and other reliable sources. The study findings indicate that the Turkish government and higher education institutions (HEIs) continue to recognize the importance of international students as their number increased more doubled than in the past two decades. The growing number of international students studying in Turkey has largely been driven by the Turkish scholarship initiative programs and migration policy reforms. Further, student immigration plays major role in strengthening peace friendly and the tie between Turkey and other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interest.

Closing a Backdoor to Dual Citizenship: The German Citizenship Law Reform of 2000 and the Abolishment of the "Domestic Clause".

The German citizenship law underwent a paradigmatic amendment in 2000. One often overlooked change of this reform was the abolishment of the domestic clause (“Inlandsklausel”) that implied a substantial restriction to de facto dual citizenship acceptance. Combining data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (waves 1993–2006) with original data on origin country policies on dual citizenship and citizenship reacquisition, we analyse the impact of the abolishment of the domestic clause on naturalization rates. We apply a difference-in-difference design to investigate the causal impact of this element of the reform which has remained under-studied. We do not find an impact of the abolishment of the domestic clause on naturalization rates, neither among the general migrant population, nor among Turkish migrants who are alleged to be targeted specifically by this reform. These results suggest that a more restrictive approach to dual citizenship did not dissuade migrants from acquiring German citizenship after 2000.

Cancer risk among individuals of migrant origin in Belgium during the 2000s - Evidence of migration as a 'cancer risk transition'?

Recent research has shown a generally lower cancer risk and mortality among migrants from less-industrialised country origin. However, while rates are usually lower for 'lifestyle-related' cancers (e.g. breast, prostate, lung, colorectal), they are typically elevated for 'infection-related' ones such as liver and stomach cancer. Although these observations appear in line with the theory of 'migration as a rapid epidemiological transition', changes in cancer risk after migration have yet to be investigated, effectively testing if migration also entails a 'rapid cancer risk transition'. This study therefore examines cancer risk among migrants in Belgium, focusing on colorectal cancer as a typically lifestyle-related cancer on the one hand, and infection-related cancers on the other hand. We subdivide migrant groups of more and less industrialised country origin according to duration of stay, and calculate absolute and relative incidence rates between 2004 and 2013. Our findings corroborate the transition assumptions for men from Turkey and Morocco, but cannot support them for women. Italian male immigrants have an in-between position: their colorectal cancer risk does not differ from that of Belgian men, but infection-related and non-cardia stomach cancer risks are higher and remain so with longer duration of stay. The fact that rates for migrants from the Netherlands and France generally do not differ from those of Belgians further strengthens support for a cancer transition among male migrants. Further examinations should focus on changes in health-related behaviour that can explain persistently low colorectal cancer risks among Turkish and Moroccan migrants and can inform preventive strategies for other population subgroups. Knowledge about the higher non-cardia stomach cancer risk among Turkish, Moroccan, and Italian men can support early detection strategies by primary care providers when patients present with gastric symptoms, especially because this cancer tends to have unfavourable prognosis.

Comparing generations of migrants\u2019 transnational behaviour: the role of the transnational convoy and integration

This paper compares generations (G1, G1.5, G2, G3) of male Turkish migrants to Europe in their transnational behaviours: contact frequency, visits, remittances, property ownership and voting. We aim to explain differences by generational differences in transnational convoy size and integration into residence countries. Data from 798 members of migrant families were obtained from 2000 Families. Generations differ in visiting, remitting, property ownership and voting, but not in contact frequency. Using regression analysis, the transnational convoy cannot explain transnational behaviours. Structural and socio-cultural integration impact various transnational behaviours within generations. Generally, waning of transnational ties across generations cannot be attributed to differences in transnational ties or integration. We add to knowledge on generational differences in transnational behaviour until the third generation and on determinants of transnational behaviour, but conclude that the field of transnational studies is in need of further refinement of operationalization and theory to understand generational differences in transnational behaviour.

Promoting rational antibiotic use in Turkey and among Turkish migrants in Europe \u2013 implications of a qualitative study in four countries

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is considered one of the major threats to global health. The emergence of resistant microorganisms is a consequence of irrational use of antibiotics. In Turkey, the consumption of antibiotics is relatively high and antibiotics are among the most commonly used drugs. However, Turkey has adopted new, more restrictive policies and regulations on antibiotics. In addition, Turkish migrants to EU countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, may encounter health systems that promote a more restrictive and rational antibiotic use.The objective of this paper was to explore the variation in implemented policies related to rational antibiotic use that citizens in Turkey and Turkish migrants in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden are subjected to and to discuss the implications for the promotion of rational antibiotic use.Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews with citizens, physicians and pharmacists in the four countries. In total, 130 respondents were interviewed. Content analysis was used.ResultsThree relevant themes were identified: Implementation of regulations and recommendations, Access to antibiotics and Need for health communication. Irrational use of antibiotics was reported mainly in Turkey. While it had become less likely to get antibiotics without a prescription, non-prescribed antibiotics remained a problem in Turkey. In the three EU countries, there were also alternative ways of getting antibiotics. Low levels of knowledge about the rational antibiotic use were reported in Turkey, while there were several sources of information on this in the EU countries. Communication with and trust in physicians were considered to be important. There were also system barriers, such as lacking opportunities for physicians to manage care in accordance with current evidence in Turkey and factors limiting access to care in EU countries.ConclusionsSeveral fields of importance for promoting rational antibiotic use were identified. There is a need for harmonisation of health-related regulations and policy programmes. Antibiotics should only be available with a prescription. Programmes for rational antibiotic use should be implemented on a broad scale, in medical care, at pharmacies and in the population. Methods for health communication and patient-centred care should be further developed and implemented in this field.

Community Education for a Dignified Last Phase of Life for Migrants: A Community Engagement, Mixed Methods Study among Moroccan, Surinamese and Turkish Migrants.

Community engagement and -education are proposed to foster equity in access to care and to ensure dignity of migrant patients in the last phase of life, but evidence is lacking. We evaluated nine community educational interactive meetings about palliative care (136 participants totally)- co-created with educators from our target groups of Moroccan, Surinamese and Turkish migrants—with a mixed methods approach, including 114 questionnaires, nine observations, nine interviews with educators, and 18 pre- and post- group- and individual interviews with participants. Descriptive and thematic analysis was used. 88% of the participants experienced the meetings as good or excellent. Educators bridged an initial resistance toward talking about this sensitive topic with vivid real-life situations. The added value of the educational meetings were: (1) increased knowledge and awareness about palliative care and its services (2) increased comprehensiveness of participant’s wishes and needs regarding dignity in the last phase; (3) sharing experiences for relief and becoming aware of real-life situations. Community engagement and -education about palliative care for migrants effectively increases knowledge about palliative care and is a first step towards improved access to palliative care services, capacity building and a dignified last phase of life among migrants.

International Migration and Challenges in the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century

International Migration and Challenges in the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century, edited by Turkan İpek and Bayındır Goularas, brings together papers presented at a conference entitled ‘International Migration in 21st Century’, which was organized by the Research Center of Global Education and Culture in October 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. As the book’s title rightly reflects, the collected papers offer a timely contribution to migration studies, covering a wide range of contemporary issues related to voluntary and compulsory migration. The contributors discuss various aspects of international migration in four major parts: (I) theoretical approaches to international migration; (II) legal aspects of international migration, with a specific focus on Turkey; (III) Syrian migration to Turkey; and (IV) the experiences of Turkish migrants, mainly in countries of the global North. The range of topics examined in the book provides readers with a broad picture of contemporary discussions on international migration. The book opens with five chapters on theoretical approaches to international migration (part I). Görgün begins with a brief discussion of modernization theory to help unravel current migration trends, underlining the ‘strong correlation between the dynamics of migration and modernization’ (p 7). In chapter 2, Kozanoğlu takes a more nuanced theoretical approach to international migration, attempting to demystify dominant myths about international migration by revealing the economic impacts of migration on Northern and Southern countries. The author unpacks the dynamics of migration through an analysis of the different ‘conjunction of incentives and constraints’ (p 12) in poor, middle-income, and rich countries. In chapter 3, Yüceşahin deals with the under-researched topic of gendered relations of migration in the Middle East. Adopting a feminist approach to understand the complex relationship between migration and political, economic, and cultural structures in the Middle East, this chapter provides valuable empirical insights that highlight the gendered patterns of social mobility in the Gulf region. Next, Sayın examines ‘enemization’ of migrants in the Northern countries – a timely discussion in the midst of the rise of far-right political discourse in the global North. He adopts a postcolonial stance to show how immigration has occupied a central place in the domain of politics while immigrants have been regarded as ‘political opponents’ and ‘military targets’ (p 52). In the final chapter dealing with theoretical perspectives, Demirel and Başak turn to the discussion of migration modelling and forecasting. Following their examination of existing approaches in the literature, the authors suggest that a method based on Lee-Carter, and using the Singular Value Decomposition technique, would help us in capturing the non-linear and complex structure of migration. They apply their suggested method and technique to the case study of migration modelling in Poland.

Medical decision making among patients with heart failure \u2013 does migration background matter?

BackgroundSome studies, mainly coming from the U.S., indicate disparities in heart failure (HF) treatment according to migration/ethnicity. However, respective results are inconsistent and cannot be transferred to other health care systems. Thus, we will address the following research question: Are there differences in the diagnosis and management of HF between patients with and without a Turkish migration background in Germany?MethodsA factorial experimental design with video vignettes was applied. In the filmed simulated initial encounters, professional actors played patients, who consulted a primary care physician because of typical HF symptoms. While the dialog was identical in all videos, patients differed in terms of Turkish migration history (no/yes), sex (male/female), and age (55 years/75 years). After viewing the video, primary care physicians (N = 128) were asked standardized and open ended questions concerning their decisions on diagnosis and therapy.ResultsAnalyses revealed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), but a consistent tendency: Primary care doctors more often asked lifestyle and psychosocial questions, they more often diagnosed HF, they gave more advice to rest and how to behave in case of deterioration, they more often auscultated the lung, and more often referred to a specialist when the patient has a Turkish migration history compared to a non-migrant patient. Differences in the medical decisions between the two groups ranged between 1.6 and 15.8%. In 10 out of 12 comparisons, differences were below 10%.ConclusionsOur results indicate that are no significant inequalities in diagnosis and management of HF according to a Turkish migration background in Germany. Primary care physicians’ behaviour and medical decision making do not seem to be influenced by the migration background of the patients. Future studies are needed to verify this result and to address inequalities in HF therapy in an advanced disease stage.

Management of chronic diseases and healthcare use among the elderly in Turkey and Turkish migrants

Abstract Background Turkish migrants are one of the largest groups of migrants in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Particularly older migrants face different barriers in the health system that may limit their access to and quality of health care. The aim of this study was to examine how elderly people in Turkey and Turkish migrants in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden manage chronic conditions, including how they utilize the respective healthcare systems. Methods A qualitative study design was used. A total of 20 in-depth interviews with individuals in Turkey and 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews each with Turkish migrants in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden were conducted during 07/2018 and 05/2019. The interviews were based on a topic guide and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Participants from all groups experienced barriers in accessing health services and described difficulties in managing chronic conditions in their daily life. Pathways to care and patterns of utilization strongly depended on the structure of the respective health systems and differed between all groups. Circular migrants to Turkey relied on health professionals from their respective host countries to treat their chronic diseases, consulting professionals in Turkey mostly for emergencies or acute illness. Conclusions Turkish migrants and elderly adults in Turkey experience similar barriers and challenges in managing chronic diseases. How they access and utilize health services is dependent on the respective health system structures. Circular migrants use the Turkish health system differently than health systems in their host countries and elderly adults from Turkey. These results can contribute to the development of diversity-sensitive health care strategies. Key messages Turkish migrants and adults in Turkey experience similar challenges in managing chronic diseases. How Turkish migrants and adults in Turkey access healthcare depends on the respective systems.

The Turkish Community in the Czech Republic: A Diaspora in the Making?

Abstract Migration is a relatively new phenomenon in the Czech Republic, which has gradually become a destination country. The securitisation and politicisation of migration in the Czech domestic discourse has created a great deal of public anxiety, especially towards Muslims. This paper focuses on the position of Turkish migrants, the single largest Muslim community in the Czech Republic, in the specific context of the Czech Republic. The objective is to define the nature of Turkish migration to the Czech Republic as part of broader migration patterns. Using data from the Czech Statistical Office and from a questionnaire survey, it investigates the Turkish community’s assessment of adaptation to the Czech environment and their position within the wider Turkish dias-pora policy. I argue that that the non-transparent Czech immigration policy and Czech Islamophobia are potential factors influencing the adaptation process of the Turkish community, which might affect their decision to remain in the country. Furthermore, the small size of the Turkish community can hamper the migrants’ social life, who might wish to maintain strong ties with the homeland and the diaspora community in Europe.

Own migration experience is not a risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease – a cohort study

Abstract Background Studies have shown differences regarding prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases among first (own migration experience) compared to second (born in host country) generation migrants. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among persons of Turkish descent with and without migration experience living in Berlin, Germany. Methods In 2012-2013, Berliners with a Turkish migration background were recruited, examined, and contacted again 5 years later via postal mail. Incidence of diagnosed CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, intermittent claudicatio or transient ischaemic attack) was assessed via self-report. Incidence of any CVD is presented as number and percentages. Associations between the incidence of any CVD and having an own migration experience were investigated with uni- and multivariable regression analyses. Results are presented as odds ratios with a 95%-confidence interval (OR, 95%-CI). Results Data of 234 persons of Turkish descent (62.8% women) with a mean age±standard deviation of 44±12.4 years were included in the analyses. Out of these, 79.9% were first generation migrants. First compared to second generation participants differed regarding CVD incidence (any CVD 16.6% vs. 4.3%, respectively; p = 0.03), socio-demographic, and lifestyle factors. After adjusting for these factors, multivariable analysis showed that only BMI (OR 1.12 per BMI point, 95%CI [1.02;1.24], and having a diagnosis of dyslipidemia (OR 4.0, 95%CI [1.45;12.05]), were independently associated with CVD incidence. Conclusions In a cohort study with Berliners of Turkish descent, CVD incidence was associated with increasing BMI and dyslipidemia, but not with own migration experience. Future migration-related public health research needs to focus on the prevention of harmful health behaviours to avoid the progression of overweight/obesity and dyslipidemia. Key messages CVD incidence is higher in persons with migration experience compared to those without. Migration experience is not associated with CVD incidence after adjusting for confounders (e.g. age, BMI).

Similarities and intersections – A comprehensive view in three studies

Abstract Background Various groups face difficulties in access to, and usage of health care. Research on marginalization in health care, and programs aiming to reduce inequalities usually focus on one single group at a time. Regarding the heterogeneity of groups defined by a few social characteristics, our aim was to question the specificity of barriers, and similarities between different groups. Methods The results of a mixed methods study focusing on elderly people with Turkish migration background were compared to the interim results of a qualitative study focusing on transgender persons, and the interim results of a qualitative study focusing persons with trauma related psychiatric diagnoses. Results 1) While relevant barriers in access to, and usage of health care seem to be group-specific at the first view, their underlying mechanisms of emergence are analogous. 2) Beside more obvious similarities, 3) further barriers arise by the combination of more than the mainly addressed characteristics of the different groups. Conclusions Barriers analogous or similar among different groups lead to underlying structural or professionality-related issues. If different dimensions of marginalization intersect, they may be disguised by a concentration on single characteristics. To target health inequalities on the long term, a closer look on similarities between groups facing health inequalities could improve the development of programs for a broader range of persons. Key messages The comparison of different marginalized groups is useful to identify and target systematic inequalities in health care. Researchers and stakeholders should consider mechanisms of multiple marginalization.

Use of Cross-Border Healthcare Services by Elderly Turkish Migrants in Denmark: A Qualitative Study and Some Critical Reflections about Public Health ‘Concerns’

Cross-border healthcare use among elderly Turkish migrants living in Denmark has been of concern in regards to their compliance with Danish healthcare provisions. A qualitative study of 30 elderly Turkish migrants was conducted, and the analysis led to the construction of two types of users: acute and intentional. The acute users respected the authority of the Danish healthcare system and only sought the use of healthcare services in acute situations whilst in Turkey. In contrast, the intentional users planned to consult and buy healthcare services whilst in Turkey. It was concluded that national health authorities should acknowledge and appreciate the benefits of transnational health practices represented by those groups of migrants who, in cooperation with their doctors, are competent users of cross-border healthcare services. The results of this study call attention to scholars of health and migration to be aware of our own ‘concerns’, which may represent spots of blindness hindering important and surprising insights.

Contact to Natives Among Recent Turkish Migrants in Germany: Gender Differences and Potential Explanations.

Migrant men and women still differ extensively in their integration chances within receiving societies. Research suggests that next to educational discrepancies and traditional gender roles, migrant men benefit particularly from their contact to natives who facilitate the access to other relevant resources such as employment. However, we know actually very little about how recent migrant men and women build their social networks within receiving societies, how their networks differ, and why they potentially differ. In this paper I therefore study Turkish migrants in Germany within their first years after migration and the extent to which Turkish men and women differ in their likelihood to have contact to natives. Theoretically, I explore three main determinants for potential gender differences: Family influence, opportunity structure, and personal preferences. I thereby make use of the two-wave data from the “Social Cultural Integration Processes” Project (SCIP) which studies migrants within their first 3 years after migration. I find that after 3 years after migration Turkish women are not only more likely to report to have no contact to natives than Turkish men; Even if they do have contact, this contact occurs significantly less frequent among Turkish women than among Turkish men. Results suggest that Turkish women, who migrated for family reasons are exposed to the influence of the family in the receiving country, which is often found to govern social behavior. Also, compared to Turkish men, Turkish women are less likely to be employed which limits their opportunity to meet natives. Gendered preferences for contact to natives, however, do not explain why Turkish women have less contact to natives than Turkish men.