More inclusive asylum policies in Germany? Norbert Elias and the tolerated refugees

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Methodology

1.2 Relevance and current state of research

2. Elias and Scotson's "established – outsiders figuration"

2.1 Power relationships

2.2 Established - outsiders relations

2.3 Sources of power

2.4 Stigmatization as an instrument of power

2.5 Criticism

3. Marginalization and stigmatization of asylum seekers in political discourse

3.1 Right-wing populism

3.2 Pegida

3.3 Alternative für Deutschland

3.4 Christlich-Soziale Union

4. Discrimination by law?

4.1 Institutional discrimination

4.2 The types of residence in the German asylum system

4.3 Marginalization by law?

5. The concept of inclusion

5.1 Inclusion vs. exclusion

5.2 Elements of inclusive asylum policies – an approach

6. Conclusion

Research Objectives and Core Themes

This master's thesis examines the multidimensional exclusion of asylum seekers in Germany. It investigates how they are marginalized through right-wing populist rhetoric in political discourse and through institutional discrimination embedded in the German asylum system, ultimately proposing more inclusive policy measures to mitigate these challenges.

• The application of Elias and Scotson’s "established-outsiders figuration" to analyze social stigmatization.
• The impact of right-wing populist rhetoric from political actors (Pegida, AfD, CSU) on the perception of refugees.
• An institutional analysis of the German asylum system and the legal ramifications for asylum seekers.
• The development of an approach for inclusive asylum policies based on systems theory and social inclusion concepts.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Outlines the global refugee situation and the research focus on exclusion mechanisms in Germany, establishing the three core hypotheses.

2. Elias and Scotson's "established – outsiders figuration": Explores the theoretical framework of power relationships and how social groups use stigmatization to enforce superiority.

3. Marginalization and stigmatization of asylum seekers in political discourse: Applies the theoretical framework to contemporary political discourse, analyzing rhetoric from Pegida, AfD, and CSU.

4. Discrimination by law?: Examines institutional discrimination and details the specific legal residency types within the German asylum system that contribute to marginalization.

5. The concept of inclusion: Discusses the theoretical shift from exclusion to inclusion and outlines potential policy measures for an inclusive asylum system.

6. Conclusion: Synthesizes the research findings, confirming the hypotheses and offering future perspectives on counteracting right-wing populist influence through inclusive policies.

Keywords

Asylum Policy, Germany, Norbert Elias, Established-Outsiders Figuration, Marginalization, Stigmatization, Right-wing Populism, Institutional Discrimination, Social Inclusion, Refugee Status, Tolerated Persons, Human Rights, Political Discourse, Social Inequality, Residence Obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core research subject of this thesis?

The thesis investigates the systemic marginalization and stigmatization of asylum seekers in Germany, focusing on both political discourse and institutional legal frameworks.

Which theoretical framework does the author apply?

The author uses Norbert Elias and John L. Scotson's "established-outsiders figuration" to understand how social groups maintain power through stigma, complemented by concepts of institutional discrimination and systems theory.

What is the primary objective of this work?

The primary goal is to demonstrate that asylum seekers face a multidimensional form of exclusion in Germany and to propose inclusive policy alternatives to overcome this marginalization.

What methodology is employed in this research?

The author utilizes a theoretical-deductive approach, applying established sociological concepts to analyze real-world political examples and the legal provisions of the German asylum system.

What does the main body of the work address?

The main body examines right-wing populist rhetoric from specific actors (Pegida, AfD, CSU) and provides an in-depth analysis of the various legal residency statuses for refugees, identifying how these laws create institutionalized exclusion.

Which specific keywords define this study?

The study is characterized by terms such as Established-Outsiders Figuration, Right-wing Populism, Institutional Discrimination, and Social Inclusion.

How does the author characterize "tolerated" persons?

The author defines "tolerated" persons as a group facing severe legal restrictions—such as work bans, residence obligations, and limited access to healthcare and education—which reinforce their status as "outsiders" in society.

What role does the health card for refugees play in the author's argument?

The author highlights the health card for refugees as an example of an inclusive measure that reduces bureaucratic barriers and ensures more efficient and humane medical care, contrary to the restrictive Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.