Rethinking Social Integration (eBook)

Acknowledgments 6
Abstract 8
Foreword 10
Acronyms 12
Table of contents 16
List of figures 20
List of tables 21
1 Introduction and background 24
1.1 Introduction 24
1.2 Background to the research problem 25
1.3 Problem statement 28
1.4 Research Objectives 28
1.5 Scope and limitations of the study 28
1.6 Importance of the study 29
1.7 Research methodology 30
1.8 Ethical considerations 31
1.9 Clarification of key terms 31
1.10 Chapter layout 35
2 Migration and forced displacement worldwide and in Germany 38
2.1 Introduction 38
2.2 Migration and forced displacement worldwide 39
2.2.1 Migration in history 39
2.2.2 Latest history 42
2.3 Migration in German history 43
2.3.1 History of migration to Germany 43
2.3.2 Latest history of migration to Germany 49
2.4 Integration policies and programmes in Germany 50
2.4.1 Critical review of European regulations 50
2.4.2 Critical review of Germany’s policies and programmes 52
2.4.2.1 Legal framework 52
2.4.2.2 Life situation of the refugees 55
2.4.2.3 Coalition agreement of the German Government 57
2.5 Conclusion 58
3 Theoretical framework 60
3.1 Introduction 60
3.2 Integration 60
3.2.1 Academic approaches to integration in Germany 62
3.2.2 Integration indicators and barriers 64
3.2.3 Critique of Integration Theories 65
3.3 Empowerment 67
3.3.1 Dimensions, elements and degrees of empowerment 68
3.3.2 Empowerment to action 70
3.3.3 Critique of the Empowerment Approach 70
3.4 Conclusion 72
4 Methodology 74
4.1 Introduction 74
4.2 Theory Comparison 74
4.2.1 Approaches to theory comparison 74
4.2.2 Coordinated Theory Comparison 76
4.2.3 Characteristic of the comparison 77
4.3 Use of literature sources for the comparison 79
4.4 Ethical consideration 80
4.5 Conclusion 80
5 The theory of successful integration by Friedrich Heckmann 82
5.1 Introduction 82
5.2 Heckmann’s Theory of Successful Integration and its relation to the capabilities of refugees 82
5.2.1 Dimensions of individual integration 82
5.2.2 Process of integration 84
5.2.3 Resources of refugees and Heckmann’s Theory of Integration 87
5.2.4 The link between Heckmann’s four dimensions and successful integration 88
5.2.4.1 Social integration 89
5.2.4.2 Cultural integration 90
5.2.4.3 Structural integration 91
5.2.4.4 Identificational integration 92
5.2.5 Examples of the application of Heckmann’s integration theory in practice 94
5.3 Strengths and limitations of Heckmann’s Integration Theory for the integration of refugees in Germany 95
5.3.1 Strengths 95
5.3.1.1 The contents of the theory are comprehensive 95
5.3.1.2 The four dimensions of Heckmann’s theory are holistic 96
5.3.1.3 Social integration is integration of the individual person 96
5.3.2 Limitations 96
5.3.2.1 In Heckmann’s theory the responsibility for successful cultural integration lies mainly with the migrants 96
5.3.2.2 In Heckmann’s theory the social and cultural capital/capabilities of the migrants have no decisive role 98
5.4 Conclusions 99
5.4.1 Immigrants have capabilities 99
5.4.2 The condition of successful integration in all four dimensions is the participation of migrants and the host society in the integration process 99
5.4.2.1 Social integration: Experiences in social communities can serve as basis 99
5.4.2.2 Cultural integration: Both the migrants and the host society need help to be able to contribute to the integration process 100
5.4.2.3 Structural Integration: Diverse “door openers” are needed 101
5.4.2.4 Identificational Integration: mutual respect is required 103
5.4.3 Heckmann’s theory lacks the potential-oriented dimension of integration 103
5.4.4 Summary 104
6 The Capabilities Approach according to Martha Nussbaum 106
6.1 Introduction 106
6.2 The Capabilities Approach and its relation to the integration of refugees 106
6.2.1 The basics of the Capabilities Approach 106
6.2.1.1 Basic, internal and combined capabilities 107
6.2.1.2 Application of the Capabilities Approach in different societies 110
6.2.1.3 Focus on capabilities or functionings 111
6.2.1.4 Normative claims, exercises and influence of the Capabilites Approach 112
6.2.1.5 Criticism 113
6.2.2 Links between the capabilities of refugees and integration of immigrants 115
6.2.2.1 Capability “Affiliation” and social integration 117
6.2.2.2 Capabilities “Practical reason”, “Senses, imagination, and thoughts” and cultural integration 118
6.2.2.3 Capability “Control over one’s environment” and structural integration 120
6.2.2.4 Capability “Emotions” and identificational integration 121
6.2.3 Application of the Capabilities Approach with the refugee issue 121
6.2.3.1 The Capability Approach to Environmental Refugees 122
6.2.3.2 Capabilities via communities: the education and training role of Refugee Community Organisations 122
6.3 Strengths and limitations of the Capabilities Approach as the basis of an integration theory 123
6.3.1 Strengths 124
6.3.1.1 The Capabilities Approach is interdisciplinary 124
6.3.1.2 The approach is focused on the individual 124
6.3.1.3 The focus of the Capabilities Approach is on capabilities and not on weaknesses 125
6.3.1.4 The Capabilities Approach is empowering 126
6.3.1.5 Combined capabilities are the connecting link between the immigrant and the host society 126
6.3.2 Limitations 127
6.3.2.1 Citizens – who qualifies? 127
6.3.2.2 Freedom of choice: Does that fit into the context of German integration politics? 129
6.4 Conclusions 130
6.4.1 Refugees have capabilities and dignity 130
6.4.2 The Capabilities Approach and the concept of integration share important contents 130
6.4.3 The recognition of the personal capabilities of the individual refugee supports integration 131
6.4.4 The Capabilities Approach is suited to serve as the basis of an integration theory 131
6.4.5 Summary 132
7 Interconnection of the theories 134
7.1 Introduction 134
7.2 Basis for the interconnection 134
7.2.1 Problem area which needs a complementary solution 134
7.2.2 Connection between Affiliation and social integration 137
7.2.3 Connection among “Practical reason”, “Senses, imagination, and thought” and cultural integration 138
7.2.4 Connection between “Control over one’s environment” and structural integration 139
7.2.5 Connection between ”Emotions” and identificational integration 140
7.3 Empowerment as framework of the interconnection 141
7.4 Interconnection of the theories 143
7.5 Justification of the Capabilities-oriented Integration Theory and Recommendations 151
7.5.1 Justifications of the Capabilities-oriented Integration Theory 151
7.5.1.1 The Capabilities-oriented Integration Theory is similar to Heckmann’s Integration Theory 151
7.5.1.2 The Capabilities-oriented Integration Theory has its justification in the Empowerment Approach 152
7.5.1.3 The Capabilites-oriented Integration Theory meets what is required by practice and literature 152
7.5.2 Recommendations 154
7.5.2.1 Recommendations for the implementation of the Capabilities-oriented Integration Theory 154
7.5.2.2 Recommendation for further research 159
7.6 Conclusion 160
Bibliography 162