This thesis aims at pointing out that currently in Germany a multidimensional form of exclusion of asylum seekers is taking place. On the one hand, this exclusion exists by using right-wing populist rhetoric in political discourse (first dimension). On the other, there are legislative provisions in the German asylum system which impede an adequate social inclusion of many asylum seekers with a lasting effect (second dimension). These exclusion mechanisms are of particular concern to "illegalized" migrants.
In this context, three hypotheses will be examined. The first hypothesis is: "Asylum seekers in Germany are systematically marginalized and stigmatized in political discourse by the right-wing populist rhetoric by political players such as Pegida, AfD, and CSU." The second hypothesis is: "Because of the different types of residence within the German asylum system and the related legal consequences, illegalized and "tolerated" asylum seekers are socially marginalized." The third hypothesis is: "An inclusive asylum policy can help overcome the social marginalization and stigmatization of illegalized and "tolerated" refugees."
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Methodology
1.2 Relevance and current state of research
2. Elias and Scotson's "established – outsiders figuration"
2.1 Power relationships
2.2 Established - outsiders relations
2.3 Sources of power
2.4 Stigmatization as an instrument of power
2.5 Criticism
3. Marginalization and stigmatization of asylum seekers in political discourse
3.1 Right-wing populism
3.2 Pegida
3.3 Alternative für Deutschland
3.4 Christlich-Soziale Union
4. Discrimination by law?
4.1 Institutional discrimination
4.2 The types of residence in the German asylum system
4.3 Marginalization by law?
5. The concept of inclusion
5.1 Inclusion vs. exclusion
5.2 Elements of inclusive asylum policies – an approach
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This master's thesis examines the multidimensional exclusion of asylum seekers in Germany. It investigates how they are marginalized through right-wing populist rhetoric in political discourse and through institutional discrimination embedded in the German asylum system, ultimately proposing more inclusive policy measures to mitigate these challenges.
- The application of Elias and Scotson’s "established-outsiders figuration" to analyze social stigmatization.
- The impact of right-wing populist rhetoric from political actors (Pegida, AfD, CSU) on the perception of refugees.
- An institutional analysis of the German asylum system and the legal ramifications for asylum seekers.
- The development of an approach for inclusive asylum policies based on systems theory and social inclusion concepts.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Power relationships
In the year 1964, Elias together with John L. Scotson published a study with the title "established and outsiders." Elias himself associated this work with the sociology of social inequality, why it stands out significantly from his other publications. In the 1990 amendment with the title "Further Facets of Established-Outsider Relationships," the author underlines that "eine spezifische Form sozialer Ungleichheit (…) [was] im Mittelpunkt dieses Buches." Here he describes the relationships of inequality as "established-outsiders figuration." "Figuration" stands for a mobile mesh of relations of persons who are interdependent of each other.
Elias explains that the power to stigmatize others can become a source of inequality. He has no doubt that inequalities always must be considered as the consequence of an unequal distribution of power. This aspect is to be regarded as the common characteristic of all forms of social inequality. Differences exist only in the form of the sources of power and the means of enforcing power. "Power" itself, according to Elias, is a normal part of any kind of human relationship. This is true both for direct human contacts, for example among friends, i.e. on the micro level, and for social institutions or the relationships between states (macro level). If we consider power relationships in social relationships, for Elias, the capacity of adjusting social relationships according to one's own goals and purposes is central. Of course, resources as for example money can act as a supporting instrument of power. But only the usage of the respective resources in the previously described sense and not only their possession turn them into instruments of power.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the global refugee situation and the research focus on exclusion mechanisms in Germany, establishing the three core hypotheses.
2. Elias and Scotson's "established – outsiders figuration": Explores the theoretical framework of power relationships and how social groups use stigmatization to enforce superiority.
3. Marginalization and stigmatization of asylum seekers in political discourse: Applies the theoretical framework to contemporary political discourse, analyzing rhetoric from Pegida, AfD, and CSU.
4. Discrimination by law?: Examines institutional discrimination and details the specific legal residency types within the German asylum system that contribute to marginalization.
5. The concept of inclusion: Discusses the theoretical shift from exclusion to inclusion and outlines potential policy measures for an inclusive asylum system.
6. Conclusion: Synthesizes the research findings, confirming the hypotheses and offering future perspectives on counteracting right-wing populist influence through inclusive policies.
Keywords
Asylum Policy, Germany, Norbert Elias, Established-Outsiders Figuration, Marginalization, Stigmatization, Right-wing Populism, Institutional Discrimination, Social Inclusion, Refugee Status, Tolerated Persons, Human Rights, Political Discourse, Social Inequality, Residence Obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core research subject of this thesis?
The thesis investigates the systemic marginalization and stigmatization of asylum seekers in Germany, focusing on both political discourse and institutional legal frameworks.
Which theoretical framework does the author apply?
The author uses Norbert Elias and John L. Scotson's "established-outsiders figuration" to understand how social groups maintain power through stigma, complemented by concepts of institutional discrimination and systems theory.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The primary goal is to demonstrate that asylum seekers face a multidimensional form of exclusion in Germany and to propose inclusive policy alternatives to overcome this marginalization.
What methodology is employed in this research?
The author utilizes a theoretical-deductive approach, applying established sociological concepts to analyze real-world political examples and the legal provisions of the German asylum system.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body examines right-wing populist rhetoric from specific actors (Pegida, AfD, CSU) and provides an in-depth analysis of the various legal residency statuses for refugees, identifying how these laws create institutionalized exclusion.
Which specific keywords define this study?
The study is characterized by terms such as Established-Outsiders Figuration, Right-wing Populism, Institutional Discrimination, and Social Inclusion.
How does the author characterize "tolerated" persons?
The author defines "tolerated" persons as a group facing severe legal restrictions—such as work bans, residence obligations, and limited access to healthcare and education—which reinforce their status as "outsiders" in society.
What role does the health card for refugees play in the author's argument?
The author highlights the health card for refugees as an example of an inclusive measure that reduces bureaucratic barriers and ensures more efficient and humane medical care, contrary to the restrictive Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
- Quote paper
- Mathis Diemer (Author), 2015, More inclusive asylum policies in Germany? Norbert Elias and the tolerated refugees, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/942845
