Date of Graduation

Winter 12-16-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Studies

Department/Program

International Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Susanne H. Hoelscher

Abstract

Discussed against the background of current political developments and attitudes in Germany, the following research examines what roles immigration policies and locally implemented integration programs play in the development of immigrant identity in Germany. Further, this thesis illustrates how these policies and programs can effectively lead to a new conscious understanding of multiculturalism. Germany has created a society where the cultures of immigrants and autochthonous Germans do not intersect, thus creating separate entities that exist in a parallel reality. Immigrants face the dilemma of maintaining their ethnic sense of identity while simultaneously adapting to the cultural and political norms in their host country. This thesis argues that immigration policies and integration programs in Germany can - if structured and implemented based on long term concepts- motivate immigrants to feel a stronger cultural connection to their host country without weakening Germany’s existing culture and traditional value system.

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