Sommersemester 2023

Integration of refugees and social stratificationDue to the increasing number of political, ethnic and religious conflicts in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the countries in the Horn of Africa, the global number of asylum-seekers and refugees had increased to 103 million at mid of 2022, with one-third of those seeking shelter outside their home countries (UNHCR, 2023). In the European Union (EU) and in the OECD, Germany plays a predominant role as a receiving country for humanitarian migration both historically and recently. The issue of refugees’ successful integration is often framed as a cause of anxiety; culturally, politically, and economically in Germany and else in Europe and there is no consensus about the best way to promote their integration. This course will explore these debates through literature on several aspects of refugees’ integration in Western Europe.
In particular, this course will first outline the factors shaping decisions to migrate and outline the differences between migration process of refugees and other migrants. Next, we will engage in debates around models of immigrant incorporation and consider whether and how they are applicable to refugees. Here, we will focus on issues related to asylum procedure, labor market access, family reunification, access to education and language acquisition, access to healthcare, family roles, and networks; and address complex issues of integration of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and low-educated. Finally, we will examine the consequences of refugee immigration for both established immigrants and the native-born population in host countries.
Students are expected to engage in discussions, carry out their own quantitative, qualitative or literature research and present their results in forum. Evaluation is based on the presentation and short written assignments.