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Contested Welfare: Migrant Organizations in Search of Their Role in the German Welfare State

Author

Listed:
  • Eva Günzel

    (Urban and Regional Studies, Faculty of Social Science, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany)

  • Ariana Kellmer

    (Institute for Work, Skills and Training, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany)

  • Ute Klammer

    (Institute for Work, Skills and Training, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany)

  • Thorsten Schlee

    (Institute for Work, Skills and Training, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany)

Abstract

This article examines the role of migrant organizations (MOs) in the welfare state and reflects on the transformation and negotiation processes in the organization of social protection in a society that is increasingly characterized by various forms of cross-border mobility. The article first describes various transformation trends in German social policy by highlighting the activation policy and marketization of social services. This transformation concerns not only the formal (material) forms of social protection and the relationship between migration and social policy, but also the organization of social protection within the German welfare state. By analysing qualitative interviews with representatives of migrant organizations and welfare associations, we then show which roles are ascribed to MOs by other welfare actors in the context of social protection and how the MOs position themselves. We argue that these role ascriptions are part of a negotiation process that goes along with the transformation of the German welfare state. MOs are increasingly addressed in the context of integration policy, while at the same time they are becoming more professional and are claiming a stronger role in formal security services. The discussion of the changing role of MOs in the future organization of the welfare state also sheds light on the question of the successful adaptation of social services to the needs of migrants in general.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Günzel & Ariana Kellmer & Ute Klammer & Thorsten Schlee, 2023. "Contested Welfare: Migrant Organizations in Search of Their Role in the German Welfare State," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:12:y:2023:i:2:p:90-:d:1064086
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Karolina Barglowski & Lisa Bonfert, 2022. "The Affective Dimension of Social Protection: A Case Study of Migrant-Led Organizations and Associations in Germany," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Greer, Ian & Breidahl, N. Karen & Knuth, Matthias & Larsen, Flemming, 2017. "The Marketization of Employment Services: The Dilemmas of Europe's Work-first Welfare States," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198785446.
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