Launch of the research project “Social Integration Without Elites? Extent, Causes, and Consequences of the Underrepresentation of East Germans and Migrants in Germany’s Elites.”

How are people with a migrant background and East Germans represented in the elites of the Federal Republic of Germany? Do their proportions in the elites correspond to their respective proportions in the population, or is the impression of systematic underrepresentation of both population groups confirmed? If so, how is this perceived and evaluated by society? What are the consequences for the political orientations and social integration of these two groups, as well as for social cohesion in our country?

In addition to a comprehensive empirical survey of elite positions in all sectors of society (politics, business, public administration, the judiciary, etc.), the project is conducting a representative population survey, not only to map the distribution of holders of elite positions across key population groups and the reasons for differing opportunities for advancement into the elites, but also to identify related attitudes and orientations among the general public. In addition, as part of the project and with support from the Federal Agency for Civic Education, events are being organized to stimulate public and political debate on the topic.

The project is being carried out as a collaborative effort involving the German Center for Integration and Migration Research e.V. (Berlin), the University of Leipzig, and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (TRAWOS Institute) and will run until the end of November 2020. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ).

Project staff:

Jan Schaller, M.A.

E-mail: J an.scha ller@hszg.de

Phone: +49 (0)3581 374-448