taz.de
Social Isolation, Not Economics, Drives Emigration from Germany
A Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung study reveals that over seven million people left Germany between 2015 and 2022, primarily due to social isolation, discrimination, and bureaucratic hurdles, highlighting integration challenges and prompting calls for policy changes.
- What are the primary reasons why over seven million people left Germany between 2015 and 2022, and what are the immediate implications for the country?
- Between 2015 and 2022, over 12 million people immigrated to Germany, but over 7 million left, according to a Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung study. The main reason for leaving wasn't economic, but rather social isolation, bureaucratic hurdles, discrimination, and lack of advancement opportunities. These factors led to Germany being perceived as not a long-term livable place.
- How do the push factors identified in the study relate to Germany's integration policies and societal openness, and what are the secondary consequences?
- The study, based on a survey of 416 highly-skilled professionals (not a representative sample), reveals that while initial immigration was driven by professional and educational factors, psychosocial issues like social isolation and feeling unwelcome became increasingly significant over time, even with positive work experiences. This highlights the disconnect between successful labor market integration and social inclusion.
- What long-term strategies should Germany implement to address the identified issues and mitigate future emigration of skilled professionals, and what are the potential long-term effects of these strategies?
- The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of Germany's integration policies. The study suggests a need for an active approach to promote social inclusion during immigration, including a comprehensive welcome and retention program, as well as a strategy to attract back former residents. 40% of those surveyed considered returning, representing a valuable potential workforce.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the social and psychological factors driving emigration, potentially downplaying the role of economic or political factors. The headline itself focuses on the number of people leaving, rather than a balanced presentation of immigration and emigration. The article's structure, by highlighting social isolation and lack of belonging as primary drivers, shapes the reader's understanding towards a societal problem rather than simply a migration trend.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. However, phrases like "dem Land auch wieder den Rücken kehrten" (turned their backs on the country) carry a slightly negative connotation. More neutral phrasing, such as "left the country", would enhance objectivity. The use of the term "Push-Faktor" might also be considered slightly loaded, as it implies a forceful expulsion rather than a personal decision.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the reasons for emigration from Germany, but provides limited detail on the specific policies or societal factors contributing to these issues. While it mentions bureaucratic hurdles and discrimination, it lacks concrete examples and a deeper exploration of the systemic issues at play. The article also omits discussion of potential solutions beyond the suggested "welcome and stay concept" and "regaining strategy", failing to delve into the complexities of implementing such solutions.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from acknowledging that economic factors, while not the primary drivers of emigration in this study, still play a role for some individuals. Presenting emigration solely through the lens of social integration might oversimplify the issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study highlights that social isolation, discrimination, and lack of upward mobility are pushing highly skilled individuals to leave Germany. This contributes to inequality by creating a brain drain and exacerbating existing social disparities. The fact that psychosocial factors outweigh economic ones in the decision to leave points to systemic issues that need to be addressed to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.