Successful integration? The lifeworlds and social participation of ethnic Aussiedler
Study | March 2022
At currently around 2.6 million, ethnic Aussiedler, or repatriated ethnic Germans, make up one of the largest groups of migrants in Germany. There are very few up-to-date, comprehensive studies on this demographic, though. That is why the scientific staff at the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR), in cooperation with the Research Centre at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), investigated the current level of integration and participation of Aussiedler. Based on recent micro census data and data collected as part of the SVR Integration Barometer, aspects relating to structural, social, and cultural and identificational participation and the political views of Aussiedler were analysed and compared with those of the population without a migration background and of other first-generation migrants. The analysis shows that ethnic Aussiedler are, as a whole, well integrated and have a high level of labour market participation, a good level of German and numerous contacts to Germans without a migration background. Aussiedler from the states of the former Soviet Union, however, are often in a less propitious situation than Aussiedler from other countries of origin: they are, on average, slightly worse off economically, have a poorer command of the German language and are less likely to describe themselves as politically interested or competent. These differences are, not least, linked to level of education and to a shorter average stay in Germany.
The research project was co-funded through a grant from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
