The Third Generation

Integration Department

Project head: Dr. Niklas Harder

There are different theories about the grandchildren of immigrants. The classical assimilation theory assumes that the "third generation" will have almost completely converged with the average of society. This is opposed by the thesis of an at least partial ethnic revival, according to which the grandchildren of migrants symbolically emphasise their ethnic affiliation. In addition, there is the observation that the descendants of migrant workers in Germany are still often structurally disadvantaged. However, there are surprisingly few empirical findings on the state of integration in the "third generation". This project therefore aims to develop a systematic and long-term observation of the "Third Generation". To this end, those studies that are dedicated to the "Third Generation" will be analysed. Subsequently, existing surveys will be examined to see whether a "Third Generation" can be identified in them and whether they can be made useful for further analyses.

Results: Within the framework of the AID:A survey, an additional sample should improve the data situation with regard to the "Third Generation". Because the survey was significantly delayed due to the Corona pandemic, the project was further developed on the basis of the theoretical preliminary work. Two questions crystallised in the process: Why does the "third generation" look so small in many data sets and how can it be recorded and operationalised? Should it be reported separately in official statistics at all? Can they speak with one voice as a group and do they need political representation? In 2021, an online event was held with experts on these questions and a journal article was submitted to a specialist journal.

Funding: Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Institutional funding)