Disengaged and Disappointed: The Missing Political Participation of Migrant Youth in Germany
Unappealing Aspects of Politics Deter Many Young Migrants from Engagement
The political participation of young migrants is a growing concern in Germany, with many feeling left out and uninterested in engaging with political parties. A recent study sheds light on the barriers stopping these young people from joining the political ranks and suggests viable solutions to increase political education and accessibility.
Migrant youth and politics: a distant relationship
Young people with a migration background rarely work in parties and are less likely to engage politically than their non-migrant counterparts. The key to bridging the gap lies in more political education and easily accessible opportunities.
The study, focusing on 1,557 participants under 36, including 798 without a migration background, identified several hurdles that prevent young people with migrant background from participating in politics: discrimination, lack of representation, and a disconnection between politics and their lives.
No mirrors, no reflections
One of the significant issues that prevent young people with a migrant background from joining the political arena is the lack of representation. Without visible role models, it's difficult for these young individuals to envision themselves in political positions. As one participant explained, "Seeing someone who is a decision-maker and similar to me... It makes me think: 'Wow! I don't just see the same people over and over again, but a person who is similar to me. I can maybe do that too.'"
CDU politician Serap Güler, the first Turkish-born member of her party in the Bundestag, recently described her own struggles with prejudices within the party. This includes an incident during her first election campaign in 2012, when a member asked her about her faith and inquired when she would convert.
Skepticism and disconnect
Many young people interviewed in the study expressed skepticism towards political parties, with only a few showing interest. They often feel that parties fail to address their needs and concerns adequately. The study found that young people perceived as migrants participate in politics significantly less than their counterparts without a migration background, with only 11% involved, compared to 40% of other young people.
The lack of transparency in political events also discourages young people from getting involved. As one participant pointed out, "What I find terrible is that it's not really transparent... when there are events [...] that this group of young migrant persons is not reached... That offers that already exist are really well promoted but not always reaching everyone."
From apathy to action
Participating in projects like YoungUP! significantly increases a young person's motivation for political engagement. Schneider, the head of research at the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR), suggests that participatory projects and programs can positively influence the willingness to engage politically.
Encouraging Change
To foster greater political education and engagement among young people with a migration background, the study recommends the following measures:
- Promote diversity in politics: Encourage political parties to nominate candidates with migrant backgrounds, providing visible role models and reflecting the diversity of German society.
- Mentorship programs: Create mentorship initiatives that pair established politicians with young immigrants, offering insights into political careers.
- Integrate political education: Incorporate political education into school curricula, ensuring that students from migrant backgrounds learn about the German political system and have opportunities to engage in mock elections or debates.
- Offer extracurricular programs: Provide extracurricular activities focused on civic participation, such as workshops and summer camps that teach political literacy and leadership skills.
- Improve transparency and accessibility: Make political information accessible to all, especially those with limited proficiency in German, and establish community centers or youth clubs where political discussions are open and non-intimidating.
- Foster anti-racism and anti-discrimination efforts: Organize public forums that discuss issues relevant to young immigrants, and offer workshops on recognizing and combating racism and discrimination.
- Embrace technology and social media: Use digital platforms to engage young people, share political information, and create interactive political experiences. Develop digital mentorship platforms to connect young immigrants with political role models and peers.
By implementing these strategies, Germany can work towards a more inclusive and diverse political landscape, where young people with a migrant background feel welcome, represented, and motivated to participate in the democratic process.
- In Germany, the underrepresentation of migrant youth in political parties is a notable issue, with many young individuals feeling disconnected from the political landscape due to a lack of representation.
- CDU politician Serap Güler, being the first Turkish-born member of her party in the Bundestag, has faced prejudices within her party, such as when she was asked about her faith during her first election campaign in 2012.
- To foster greater political participation among young people with a migration background, it's suggested to promote diversity in politics, create mentorship programs, integrate political education into school curricula, offer extracurricular programs, improve transparency and accessibility, foster anti-racism and anti-discrimination efforts, and embrace technology and social media.
