Migration Narratives and Demographic Potentials

Migration Department

Project head: Dr. Ramona Rischke ,  Dr. Zeynep Yanaşmayan

Project team members: Lea Christinck ,  Maya Diekmann ,  Dr. Marcus Engler ,  Dr. Pau Palop-García

The public discourse on migration is dominated by one-sided and often negative narratives, which shape perceptions, attitudes and values in society. On the one hand, narratives are necessary in order to understand complex phenomena. However, they present them selectively and contain normative demands. This inevitably influences society's perception, behaviour and political decisions in relation to migration and people with migration biographies. 

Meanwhile, there are challenges associated with demographic change, which is leading to a shrinking and ageing population in Germany. This leads to various problems such as labour shortages and pay-as-you-go social security systems. 

Currently, narratives relating to demographic change and the link to migration seem to have faded into the background. However, there are references to different groups. On the one hand, the focus is on new skilled workers and labour migrating to Germany, and on the other hand on refugees and their access to the labour market. In addition, there are other groups of people with a migration biography who have already been living in Germany (in some cases for some time) and for whom ‘demographic potential’ has been identified.  

The aim of this project is to examine what role demographic narratives play for different groups of actors. The possible reproduction of ‘deservingness frames’ and corresponding utilisation logics will be critically questioned in this regard. 

A multi-method study design will be implemented, consisting of background interviews with different stakeholders and focus groups with people from different social groups (including those with and without a migration biography). 

Funding: Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Third-party funding)