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
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to examine the formation of hybrid identities among migrants, specifically focusing on ethnic Turks in Germany. It explores the criteria for the emergence of hybrid identities and how the synthesis of two cultural backgrounds manifests in daily life. The study utilizes existing research and surveys to analyze this phenomenon within the German context.
- Hybrid Identity Formation
- Integration and Belonging in Germany
- The Role of Culture and Ethnicity in Identity
- Citizenship and Nationality
- Case Study of Ethnic Turks in Germany
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by discussing the ongoing debate surrounding integration policy in Germany and the increasing importance of understanding hybrid identities in a society with a significant migrant population. The chapter highlights the growing percentage of individuals with migration backgrounds in Germany and emphasizes the need to reconsider the traditional notions of “German” and “foreigner.” It introduces the concept of “hybrid identity” (or transnational identity) as a “third space” formed through the negotiation of belonging between two cultures, and outlines the paper's objective to examine this phenomenon, specifically focusing on ethnic Turks in Germany.
2 Formation of identity: This chapter delves into the theoretical framework of identity formation, drawing upon the work of Barth and others. It defines identity as a complex and dynamic interplay between self-image and the perception of others, shaped by factors such as values, beliefs, actions, and cultural contexts. The chapter highlights the relational and gradual nature of identity, emphasizing its multi-layered complexity and capacity for transformation. It introduces Barth's five characteristics of identity (complexity, relationality, graduality, interchange, and dynamism) and discusses the concept of belonging, using Mulgan's ten key points of feedback as a framework.
3 Germany - an immigration country: This chapter focuses on the specific context of Germany as an immigration country, examining the experiences of individuals with migration backgrounds. It explores various aspects of integration, including employment opportunities, political participation, cultural belonging, and the impact of nationalism and transnationalism. The chapter also delves into the complexities of German citizenship law and its implications for individuals with hybrid identities. Finally, it introduces the case study of ethnic Turks in Germany, highlighting the cultural features that make their experience particularly relevant to the study of hybrid identity formation.
Keywords
Hybrid identity, transnational identity, migration, integration, Germany, ethnic Turks, belonging, citizenship, culture, ethnicity, identity formation, cultural negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper examines the formation of hybrid identities among migrants, specifically focusing on ethnic Turks in Germany. It explores how the synthesis of two cultural backgrounds manifests in daily life within the German context.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include hybrid identity formation, integration and belonging in Germany, the role of culture and ethnicity in identity, citizenship and nationality, and a case study of ethnic Turks in Germany.
What is a hybrid identity, and how is it relevant to this study?
A hybrid identity (or transnational identity) is a "third space" formed through the negotiation of belonging between two cultures. This paper uses the concept to understand the experiences of migrants in Germany, particularly ethnic Turks, navigating their identities within German society.
What theoretical frameworks are used in this paper?
The paper draws upon the work of Barth and others on identity formation, defining identity as a complex interplay between self-image and the perception of others. It utilizes Barth's five characteristics of identity (complexity, relationality, graduality, interchange, and dynamism) and Mulgan's ten key points of belonging to analyze identity formation.
What is the significance of the German context in this study?
Germany serves as a crucial case study due to its significant migrant population and ongoing debates surrounding integration policy. The paper examines how individuals with migration backgrounds experience integration, including employment, political participation, and cultural belonging, within the context of German nationalism and transnationalism.
What is the role of the case study on ethnic Turks in Germany?
The case study of ethnic Turks in Germany provides a specific example to illustrate the formation of hybrid identities. Their cultural features and experiences offer valuable insights into the complexities of navigating dual cultural backgrounds within German society.
What are the key chapters and their contents?
The paper includes an introduction setting the stage and outlining the objectives; a chapter on identity formation exploring theoretical frameworks; a chapter focusing on Germany as an immigration country, including the experiences of those with migration backgrounds and citizenship issues; and a conclusion summarizing the findings.
What are the key takeaways or conclusions of the paper?
The paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hybrid identity formation among migrants in Germany, particularly focusing on the experiences of ethnic Turks. It highlights the complexities of integration, the role of culture and ethnicity in shaping identity, and the challenges and successes of navigating dual cultural backgrounds within a German context.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Hybrid identity, transnational identity, migration, integration, Germany, ethnic Turks, belonging, citizenship, culture, ethnicity, identity formation, cultural negotiation.
What is the purpose of the Table of Contents, Objectives and Key Themes, Chapter Summaries, and Keywords sections provided?
These sections provide a comprehensive language preview, allowing readers to quickly understand the scope, focus, and main arguments of the paper. They serve as a roadmap for navigating the content and understanding its key components.
- Citar trabajo
- Stefanie Schumann (Autor), 2011, Hybrid identity formation of migrants , Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/166974
