Because of the high number of involuntary migrants who arrived in Germany over the past years, displaced people may at least partly counteract the economic consequences of the demographic change in Germany. Yet, particularly displaced women are comparatively seldom employed in Germany. What are the main obstacles for displaced women when they try to find an employment in Germany? How can these obstacles be overcome?
In order to answer these questions, this paper will explore where the displaced women come from and what their reasons are to leave their countries of origin. It is also in the centre of interest what kind of qualifications they bring, with special regard to their educational background, professional experience and relevant language skills.
Other questions to be addressed are whether displaced women want to be employed in Germany in the first place and what their future plans concerning residence, educational aspirations and employment are.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Problem and research question
1.2 Research objectives and methodology
1.3 Structure of the thesis
2. MIGRATION
2.1 Specifications
2.2 Migration theories
2.3 Historical review of migration in Germany
2.4 Legal framework for displaced people in Germany
3. ECONOMIC, EDUCATIONAL, HEALTH AND POLITICAL GENDER EQUALITY
4. EMPLOYMENT
4.1 Specification and relevance for individuals, society and state
4.2 Current situation of the German labour market
4.3 Employment of women and migrants
4.4 Support for displaced people on the German labour market
5. THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL OBSTACLES
5.1 Cultural background
5.2 Child care
5.3 Language
5.4 Educational achievement and professional experience
5.5 Discrimination
5.6 Health restrictions
5.7 Non gender-specific factors
6. EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
6.1 Derivation of the hypotheses
6.2 Method
6.2.1 Approach
6.2.2 Type of survey
4.2.3 Sample
6.3 Results
6.3.1 Descriptive statistics
6.3.2 Evaluation of the hypotheses
7. OVERALL ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS
8. CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK
8.1 Conclusion
8.2 Recommendations and critical reflection
Research Objectives and Topics
This thesis aims to identify the specific factors and obstacles that impede the integration of displaced women into the German labour market. By examining both theoretical literature and empirical data gathered from surveys, the research seeks to provide a foundational understanding for improving support measures and facilitating successful labour market participation for this vulnerable group.
- Analysis of migration theories and the legal framework for displaced persons in Germany.
- Evaluation of gender equality in the context of employment and societal participation.
- Examination of primary obstacles including cultural background, child care, language barriers, and discrimination.
- Empirical assessment via quantitative and qualitative surveys focusing on displaced women's qualifications, experiences, and future plans.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Problem and research question
In 2016 alone, about 722,000 displaced persons have applied for asylum in Germany for the first time. Only a third of them were women. (cf. Worbs, Baraulina 2017, p. 3) That year was the peak year of arrivals. Currently, the situation has calmed a bit. In 2017, nearly 200,000 involuntary migrants applied for asylum, 40% of them women, which represents less than a third of the 2016 numbers. The total protection rate was at 44%. Most fled from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many come to Germany because it is a safe, economically attractive country. (cf. Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge 2017, p. 8)
Due to the immense number of incoming people, the initial challenge for Germany consisted of providing essential supply such as shelter, food, clothing and medical care. (cf. Jovanovic 2016, n. p.) Over the last months and years, the relevant institutions have set up facilities and structures to welcome refugees and are prepared for new arrivals. Since many of those seeking protection within the German borders will not return to their countries of origin in the foreseeable future, it is important to support their integration. (cf. Özoğuz 2016, p. 24) In Germany, integration as a long-term process has the goal to involve all residents into the German society, including equal participation in all areas as well as duties such as learning the German language and knowing, respecting and complying with the German constitution and law. (cf. Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge n. y., n. p.)
Chapter Summary
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the current context of migration in Germany, defines the research questions regarding displaced women, and details the methodological approach.
2. MIGRATION: Defines terminology related to displaced persons, outlines migration theories, and reviews the history and legal framework of migration in Germany.
3. ECONOMIC, EDUCATIONAL, HEALTH AND POLITICAL GENDER EQUALITY: Provides a global context on gender equality, focusing on disparities in economic, educational, and political arenas.
4. EMPLOYMENT: Discusses the significance of employment for individuals and society, and analyzes the current German labour market situation for women and migrants.
5. THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL OBSTACLES: Examines specific hurdles such as cultural differences, child care access, language proficiency, and discrimination.
6. EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS: Details the methodology for the quantitative and qualitative surveys and presents the findings based on descriptive statistics and hypothesis evaluation.
7. OVERALL ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS: Synthesizes theoretical findings and empirical results to rank the importance of various obstacles to labour market integration.
8. CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK: Summarizes key research findings, provides recommendations for future practice, and reflects critically on the study's limitations.
Keywords
Displaced women, labour market integration, Germany, involuntary migration, gender equality, employment, qualification recognition, language barriers, child care, discrimination, survey analysis, socio-demographic factors, asylum seekers, refugee integration, professional experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this thesis?
The thesis investigates the factors and structural obstacles that hinder the successful integration of displaced women into the German labour market.
Which demographic group is central to this study?
The research focuses specifically on displaced women, or involuntary migrants, who have arrived in Germany and are seeking entry into the workforce.
What is the core objective of the research?
The primary goal is to identify why displaced women are less represented in the workforce and to provide a basis for adapting support offers to help overcome these barriers.
What methodology was applied?
The study uses a mixed-methods approach: a quantitative survey of 42 displaced women and a qualitative survey involving five experts working in the field of refugee integration.
What key obstacles are discussed in the main chapters?
The study covers a wide range of obstacles, including cultural background, child care limitations, language deficiency, lack of recognized professional qualifications, discrimination, and health-related restrictions.
What are the essential keywords characterizing the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as labour market integration, displaced women, Germany, gender equality, and structural barriers to employment.
How does the role distribution influence the integration process?
The study finds that traditional role models often place the primary burden of housework and child care on women, which reduces their time and opportunity to participate in language courses or professional employment.
How significant is the language barrier according to the respondents?
Respondents identify insufficient knowledge of the German language as a major impediment to finding a good job, noting that requirements for integration courses are often not well-aligned with the needs of displaced women.
What role does the recognition of foreign qualifications play?
Many participants struggle with the recognition of their foreign credentials, citing long waiting periods, complex administrative procedures, and a lack of information or support in navigating the process.
What recommendation does the author give based on the findings?
The author highlights the need for target-group-oriented support programs that include childcare and flexible training models to better accommodate the specific life situations of displaced women.
- Quote paper
- Pauline Kalender (Author), 2018, Which impediments do female immigrants face when entering the German labor market?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/456196