Diversity Development in Postsocialist Cities: The Example of East Germany

abstract

When comparing integration patterns, policies, and attitudes towards migration, postsocialist European countries stand out from West European countries in having a less-developed integration infrastructure, fewer immigrants and less openness towards migration and diversity. Focusing on the case of East Germany, this article highlights the specifics of a migration and integration environment that was shaped by the post-socialist transformation experiences. Taking on a relational geography perspective, it shows a strong path dependence of diversity development in postsocialist societies. The analysis of public debates and opinions reveals a discursive framing of “migration” embedded into Western-Eastern power geometries, which also explains the positions towards integration and diversity. Hence, local manifestations of postsocialist transformation societies with their varying degrees of tolerance, openness, or rejection can only be understood if the hegemonic relationship between East and West is taken into account.

Keywords:

• East Germany
• integration
• migration
• postsocialism

Notes

1. Data was collected as part of the collaborative project “Future for Refugees in Rural Regions of Germany,” which has received funding from the federal program for rural development between 2018 and 2020. It was carried out in rural regions of four German states: Bavaria, Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Saxony. For this paper, solely the interview data from Saxony were used.

2. The use of the terms “foreigner” and “persons with migration biography” are in line with the definitions in the German population statistics. While a “foreigner” is defined as person registered with a non-German nationality, a “person with migration background” can be a foreigner, a naturalized foreigner, or a German with at least one parent who immigrated to Germany or who was born as a foreigner in Germany.

3. The expert interviews cited in this section were conceptualized by Hannes Schammann, University of Hildesheim, and carried out in the case-study region of Saxony by Miriam Bürer, Hanne Schneider, and myself as part of the collaborative project “Future for Refugees in Rural Regions of Germany.” Interpretations represent the opinion of the author.

4. The representative survey was conceptualized by the research team of TU Chemnitz, and conducted by Miriam Bürer, Hanne Schneider, and myself.

5. It is important to consider the subjectivity regarding perceptions about “foreigners,” which do not follow formal definitions based on nationality, but rather ethnic criteria, combined with cultural and religious stereotypes. Thus, the determination of who might be foreign, and who not, can be regarded as an expression of everyday racism.