Refugee Integration in Germany: The Interplay of Othering, Digital Exclusion, and Identity Negotiation

Miriam Berg ()
Additional contact information
Miriam Berg: Northwestern University Qatar

Journal of International Migration and Integration, 2025, vol. 26, issue 1, No 9, 235-254

Abstract: Abstract This study explores the multifaceted experiences of refugees in Hamburg, Germany, with a focus on how various forms of othering—social, cultural, linguistic, and digital—affect their integration. Through qualitative interviews with 62 refugees, the findings reveal that language acquisition, while often regarded as essential for integration, does not shield refugees from exclusion. Othering extends beyond linguistic differences, intersecting with gender, race, and religious identity, further complicating integration efforts, particularly for women. Additionally, the study identifies digital exclusion as another form of othering, termed “digital othering,” which restricts refugees’ access to social and economic participation while adversely affecting their psychological well-being and identity formation. Despite these challenges, refugees exhibit significant self-agency in navigating social and digital barriers. The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to integration that transcends language proficiency and economic participation, addressing both social and digital forms of othering. This study calls for policies promoting equitable digital access, transforming digital spaces into platforms for empowerment, and fostering a more inclusive society. Drawing on social identity theory and the concept of othering, the research shows how societal narratives and digital exclusion intersect to shape refugee integration, advocating for inclusive strategies to tackle systemic inequalities.

Keywords: Digital exclusion; Othering; Refugee integration; Social identity; Cultural marginalization; Germany (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12134-025-01238-0 Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:joimai:v:26:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12134-025-01238-0

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://www.springer ... tudies/journal/12134

DOI: 10.1007/s12134-025-01238-0

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of International Migration and Integration is currently edited by Lori Wilkinson

More articles in Journal of International Migration and Integration from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().