One Word Shapes a Nation: Integration Politics in Germany

One Word Shapes a Nation explores the intersection of media, capital, nation-building, and human lives in contemporary German society, revealing that integration politics limit immigrants' and refugees' participation and shaping Germans' national future. It argues that integration is not the only potential model and that beliefs about German national identity require assimilation to cultural values beyond naturalization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2024
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

One Word Shapes a Nation: Integration Politics and the Construction of German National Identity
Johanna Schuster-Craig's book, One Word Shapes a Nation, explores the intersection between media, capital, nation-building, and human lives in contemporary German society. Through a reconstruction of recent polemic media scandals, re-interpretation of historical narratives about migration after the Second World War, and extensive fieldwork with social work organizations that implement integrative programs, Schuster-Craig reveals that integration politics limit how immigrants, refugees, and their descendants can participate in German society and how Germans imagine their national future.

One of the key findings of the book is that anti-immigrant tropes are long-standing in German post-war history, but integration is not the only potential model. Schuster-Craig argues that integration politics in Germany is defined by a selective approach to who qualifies as a citizen, as well as beliefs about German national identity that require assimilation to cultural values beyond mere naturalization.

Schuster-Craig's analysis draws on media analysis of key public speeches and debates, historical analysis, and ethnographic observation and interviews. She examines the nature and impact of an integrative apparatus, which includes measures such as language learning, cultural education, and social integration programs.

One of the challenges that Schuster-Craig identifies is the lack of recognition of the diversity of immigrant experiences in Germany. She argues that the dominant narrative of integration in Germany is based on a homogeneous model of citizenship that does not take into account the different backgrounds, languages, and cultures of immigrants. This can lead to discrimination and marginalization of certain groups, particularly those who do not fit into the dominant narrative.

To address this challenge, Schuster-Craig proposes a reimagining of immigrant incorporation as a form of citizenship that applies to everyone. She suggests that this can be achieved through a more inclusive and diverse approach to citizenship education, which includes the recognition of different cultural backgrounds and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.

One of the key findings of the book is that integration politics in Germany are shaped by a complex interplay of economic, political, and cultural factors. Schuster-Craig argues that the economic crisis of the late 2000s and the subsequent rise of right-wing populism have had a significant impact on integration politics in Germany. She suggests that the economic crisis has led to a sense of insecurity and anxiety among Germans, which has been exploited by right-wing populists who have used anti-immigrant rhetoric to gain political support.

In addition to the economic crisis, Schuster-Craig also identifies the role of political institutions in shaping integration politics. She argues that the German political system is characterized by a strong emphasis on the rule of law and a limited role for the judiciary. This can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency in the immigration system, which can contribute to discrimination and marginalization of certain groups.

Schuster-Craig also highlights the role of cultural values in shaping integration politics. She argues that German national identity is based on a set of cultural values that include a strong sense of community, a commitment to hard work, and a respect for authority. However, she suggests that these cultural values can be problematic when they are used to justify discrimination and marginalization of certain groups.

To address these challenges, Schuster-Craig proposes a number of policy recommendations. She suggests that the German government should invest more in citizenship education, particularly in the recognition of different cultural backgrounds and the promotion of intercultural dialogue. She also suggests that the German government should take steps to address the economic crisis and the rise of right-wing populism, such as implementing policies that promote economic growth and reduce inequality.

In conclusion, One Word Shapes a Nation is a powerful and insightful book that explores the intersection between media, capital, nation-building, and human lives in contemporary German society. Through a reconstruction of recent polemic media scandals, re-interpretation of historical narratives about migration after the Second World War, and extensive fieldwork with social work organizations that implement integrative programs, Schuster-Craig reveals that integration politics limit how immigrants, refugees, and their descendants can participate in German society and how Germans imagine their national future. She proposes a reimagining of immigrant incorporation as a form of citizenship that applies to everyone and suggests that this can be achieved through a more inclusive and diverse approach to citizenship education, as well as a more accountable and transparent immigration system.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487551179