The question for all of us is how we can shape integration processes such that they take place successfully in economic and social terms and reinforce social cohesion. Here, the challenges faced by the people who migrate are also a part of a holistic debate, just like the challenges which can arise owing to migration for those, whose families have lived in Germany always or since many generations.
- In this context, the opportunities for participation in various entirely practical fields must be taken into consideration. In addition to work and education, these include, above all, health (see chapter 4.6 of the report), the tasks of local levels of government (see chapter 4.7) and housing (see chapter 4.8). Potential resource conflicts (see chapter 3.8) should also be considered.
- In addition, questions also arise about legal participation and participation in other areas of social life such as culture or voluntary work, see chapter 4.4, or with regard to the immigration society, which has also become more religiously diverse, see chapter 3.7.
Integration continuously happens in the economy, in clubs and associations and in all areas of the society, without the state’s intervention, as a rule, and frequently, unnoticed by the major debates in the public sphere. It is the duty of policymakers and civil society to ensure that members of all social groups are adequately represented at all hierarchical levels of politics, administration, business, science, culture, the media and civil society in accordance with their qualifications and skills, and that there is no exclusion or discrimination. In this respect, the active prevention of discrimination and respectful interaction with each another are also prerequisites for participation and commiseration, see in particular chapter 4.5 (Anti-)Discrimination and equality.