Within the last few years Germany has been confronted with a vast debate on integration policy. It was not until the year of 2005 that the first national integration law was enacted. Even though Germany has been an immigration country since the 1950s, the necessity of a
specific law framework has been neglected blindly for decades. Already in 2006 about 23% of the children born in Germany had at least one foreign parent (cf. Foroutan & Schäfer, 2009, p.12). The media still talk about “the migrant”. But it finally has to reach people’s minds that there is no clear distinction between “the German” and “the foreigner”. In fact, the matter of identity has to be reconsidered. About 18.6% of Germany’s overall population possess a migration background (cf. Wippermann & Flaig, 2009, p.3), which signifies, that these individuals face the challenge of cultural contradictory on a daily basis. The permanent negotiation of belonging characterizes the dichotomy between retention of the ethnic and adoption of the German culture. Hence, this phenomenon creates a specific kind of identity, the so called “third space”, which in the present work I will refer to as hybrid identity. The
terms transnational and hyphenated identity are used synonymously in the relevant literature, but I will apply only to the former name to avoid any confusion. Moreover, this new kind of identity requires rethinking the concept of nationality and raises citizenship issues.
The present work shall examine the phenomena of hybrid identity formation in detail: Under which criteria does it emerge and how is the synthesis of two cultural backgrounds depicted in everyday life? After introducing general findings on this topic, I will apply these aspects to the Turkish population in Germany by evaluating several surveys. Even though ethnic Turks do not appear to be the biggest ethnic group in Germany anymore, they represent cultural features including their religion, which makes the observation of their case study more controversial. Data on the German citizenship law will top off the chain of arguments concerning the necessity of nationality for the belonging of hybrid identities.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Formation of identity
2.1 Key points of belonging
2.2 Hybrid identity formation
2.2.1 Characteristics
2.2.2 Age as a matter of hybrid identity
3 Germany – an immigration country
3.1 Persons with migration background in Germany
3.2 Belonging to Germany?
3.3 Milieus of persons with migration background
3.4 Nationalism vs. transnationalism
3.5 Citizenship
3.6 Ethnic Turks in Germany – a case study
4 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines the phenomena of hybrid identity formation among migrants, specifically analyzing how individuals negotiate belonging between their culture of origin and the host society. It explores the criteria for hybrid identity development and investigates the synthesis of cultural backgrounds in everyday life, with a primary focus on the Turkish population in Germany through the evaluation of sociological surveys and current citizenship legislation.
- The theoretical conceptualization of identity and hybridity.
- Indicators of belonging, acculturation, and social integration.
- The impact of German immigration history and legal frameworks on identity.
- A detailed case study on the identity patterns of ethnic Turks in Germany.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Hybrid identity formation
The term social integration describes the inclusion of an individual into an established system. Hence, it can be considered as the basis of development for hybrid identities. Esser specifies four dimensions of social integration, quasi host culture adoption: Acculturation as the acquisition of knowledge and skills (especially language) forms the precondition for the second step – emplacement. This means the taking over of social positions and the concession of rights. Both features build the fundament for the next two dimensions. Thirdly, interaction as entry in social relations in everyday life serves to form bonds in the country of residence. By getting the feeling of belonging thanks to cultural, social and economic identification, a person can sympathise with the host country’s society (cf. Esser, 2001, p.1). This so called social integration does not necessarily mean the rejection of the ethnic culture. Furthermore, Esser distinguishes four possibilities of social integration: 1. Multiple integration; 2. Marginalisation; 3. Assimilation; 4. Segmentation.
Preconditions are the proficiency of both languages as a key factor; also access to both cultural groups has to be ensured. A high educational level and financial security were also observed to have a positive correlation with multiple integration. Marginalisation as a second possibility defines the distance from both cultures at the same time. This can never be the aim of integration. The third option of social integration represents assimilation. It describes the full adoption of the host culture. Finally, segmentation designates the full identification and socialisation inside the ethnic surrounding. This means maintenance of the culture of origin without adoption of the host culture. (cf. ibid., p.2). Hence, only multiple integration gives the opportunity to develop a so called hybrid identity as further explained.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the relevance of integration policy in Germany and defines the scope of investigating hybrid identity formation.
2 Formation of identity: Explores theoretical foundations of identity, collective belonging, and the specific characteristics of hybrid identity.
3 Germany – an immigration country: Contextualizes the migration history, legal frameworks, and sociological milieus relevant to migrants in Germany.
4 Conclusion: Synthesizes findings on generational differences in identity formation among ethnic Turks and discusses the limitations of current citizenship models.
Keywords
Hybrid identity, Migration, Integration, Germany, Ethnic Turks, Citizenship, Transnationalism, Acculturation, Belonging, Social Milieu, Cultural Identity, Third Space, Assimilation, Ethnicity, Diaspora.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the formation of hybrid identities among migrants in Germany, analyzing the processes by which individuals navigate and synthesize multiple cultural backgrounds.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The main themes include identity theory, the historical and legal context of immigration in Germany, the role of citizenship, and the social integration of specific migrant groups.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to understand how hybrid identity emerges and to evaluate the everyday experiences of ethnic Turks in Germany as a case study for cultural negotiation.
Which methodology is applied?
The work utilizes a review of existing sociological surveys, theoretical literature on identity and transnationalism, and an analysis of German citizenship law.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical definition of identity, key factors of belonging, the role of language and religion in integration, and empirical data regarding the Turkish population in Germany.
Which keywords characterize the study?
Key terms include hybrid identity, transnationalism, integration, citizenship, and ethnic retention.
How does the age of immigration affect identity formation?
The paper outlines that children who immigrate at different developmental stages (e.g., before age three vs. between six and 16) show varying levels of acculturation, with younger children being more prone to dual cultural acquisition.
What role does the German citizenship law play for hybrid identities?
The law historically favored an ethnic model of citizenship, though it has been reformed to include more civic elements; however, the author argues that high hurdles for naturalization can be counterproductive to collective identity.
What does the case study of ethnic Turks reveal?
The case study indicates that while the first generation shows strong ties to Turkey, the younger generation increasingly identifies as bicultural, suggesting a move toward hybridity despite challenges in social integration.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stefanie Schumann (Autor:in), 2011, Hybrid identity formation of migrants , München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/166974
