&quot;Why Do We Belong?&quot; Migrant Identity Construction in Contemporary Germany

The integration paradigm in many Western states, among them Germany, for long expected incoming immigrants and people with a migrant background to assimilate to the dominant culture in order to integrate. Contemporary German authors who themselves have a migrant background are increasingly questioning this paradigm. This capstone, in taking an interdisciplinary historical and sociological approach, outlines how those authors construct migrant identities in non-fiction literature (academic sociology, essays, autobiographies) and on social media. Reading the selected works first against the sociological discourses on assimilation theory and identity formation theory, and second, as a response to the recent and historical situation of immigration in Germany, this capstone seeks to draw a more comprehensive picture of how migrant identities are constructed. Taking an approach that values the personalized perspectives of authors with a migrant background, this capstone identifies them as...Show moreThe integration paradigm in many Western states, among them Germany, for long expected incoming immigrants and people with a migrant background to assimilate to the dominant culture in order to integrate. Contemporary German authors who themselves have a migrant background are increasingly questioning this paradigm. This capstone, in taking an interdisciplinary historical and sociological approach, outlines how those authors construct migrant identities in non-fiction literature (academic sociology, essays, autobiographies) and on social media. Reading the selected works first against the sociological discourses on assimilation theory and identity formation theory, and second, as a response to the recent and historical situation of immigration in Germany, this capstone seeks to draw a more comprehensive picture of how migrant identities are constructed. Taking an approach that values the personalized perspectives of authors with a migrant background, this capstone identifies them as part of an emerging discourse that allows for them to participate in and steer the discussion. In critically engaging with the classical literature on assimilation theory, the findings of this capstone indicate that migrant identities are constructed by reclaiming previously loaded terms, in finding confidence in one’s social position as “the other,” and by forming migrant communities as an exercise of solidarity.Show less

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"Why Do We Belong?" Migrant Identity Construction in Contemporary Germany