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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (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
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The present work aims to examine the formation of hybrid identity, particularly focusing on the experiences of ethnic Turks in Germany. It analyzes the criteria for its emergence and explores the interplay of cultural backgrounds in everyday life.
- Formation of identity and its key points of belonging
- Hybrid identity formation and its characteristics
- Germany as an immigration country and its challenges
- The role of citizenship and nationality in hybrid identity
- Ethnic Turks in Germany as a case study of hybrid identity formation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1 introduces the topic of hybrid identity formation in the context of Germany's integration policy and the growing number of individuals with migration backgrounds. It highlights the need to reconsider the concept of identity and the challenges of cultural contradictions.
Chapter 2 examines the formation of identity, drawing on Barth's concept of identity as a bundle of values and concepts. It explores the interplay of self-image and the perception of others in shaping personal and collective identity. It also delves into key points of belonging, including family and friendship ties, participation in associations, economic opportunities, and political participation.
Chapter 3 focuses on Germany as an immigration country, examining the presence of persons with migration backgrounds, the challenges of belonging, and the interplay of nationalism and transnationalism. It discusses the importance of citizenship and its role in shaping the experience of hybrid identities.
Chapter 3.6 specifically examines the case study of ethnic Turks in Germany, analyzing their cultural features and the complexities of their hybrid identity formation. It utilizes surveys and data on German citizenship law to support its arguments.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this work include hybrid identity, transnational identity, migration, integration, Germany, ethnic Turks, citizenship, belonging, cultural contradictions, and everyday life.
- Quote paper
- Stefanie Schumann (Author), 2011, Hybrid identity formation of migrants , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/166974
