A Country Of Germany

Germany, which lies in Western Europe, is home to about 81 million people. Many emigrants have migrated to Germany since the 1950s in quest of employment opportunities, refuge, and the possibility of higher living conditions. According to Sawe (2017), roughly 20% of Germans have ancestry in other regions of the world, which has had a significant impact on German culture. Germans are the majority ethnic group, with minority of Turks, Russians, Poles, and Italians. Germans have a reputation for being excellent authors and philosophers. However, the Turks are by far the greatest minority and their presence in German dates back to the 16th century. Most Turks moved in to German as laborers while Poles were influenced to move to Germany by the rapid industrialization. On the other hand, Russians moved to Germany after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. This study focuses on the conflict and stratification of the ethnic groups in Germany.

Immigration in Germany

In the European Union, Germany tops the list as the most populous and one of the most popular immigration destinations. After the Second World War, Germany lost a large portion of their territory. During the economic boom I 1960’s, Germany received about four million immigrants to work in their factories and industries. Most of the immigrants were from Greece, Turkey, Portugal and also Yugoslavia. The civil war in Syria also saw many people immigrating to Germany. Germany has also welcomed more than a million refugees fleeing Islamic state and the Taliban. Similarly, the United Sates tops the list on immigrant population. The economic benefits, jobs for native citizens and ethnicity are controversial and matters of concern in the United States. Immigration has boosted the economy of the United States due to the high skills of majority of immigrants.

Social Stratification

There is a notable difference in social stratification between the United States and Germany. The social status in Germany is highly dependent on education and opportunity. In Germany at the top of the hierarchy are the bankers, professors and chief executive officers of large industrial companies. The next level comprise of the politicians, scientists, government officials followed by the doctors, lawyers and small business owners. The biggest industries in Germany are the banking and manufacturing hence the reason bankers, professors and heads of big companies are on top of social hierarchy. There is much emphasis in advocating for education and getting into university is competitive. Germany On the other hand, lawyers and doctors in United States enjoy high social status due to high level of education as well as their high income. Moreover, trades are respected in Germany and exceptionally gifted craftsmen can enjoy high level social status which is often the case in United States.

Racism

Nonetheless, the economic and social realities between these countries are similar too. There is much debate in Germany concerning immigration, religion and race similar to the United States. In Germany racism was at its peak during the Nazi regime which resulted to the Holocaust. The Holocaust is considered the most inhumane act towards mankind throughout our history. The Germans were influenced to be racially conscious and believe that race determined everything. Millions of Jews and people deemed as being ‘not desirable’ such as the physically challenged or those with low intelligence were killed during the Holocaust. The Holocaust led to sensitivity while discussing matters of national identity and racial differences in Germany. Even up to date there are milder forms of racism being experienced in Germany. Dearden (2017), states that there are still search and controls by the German police targeting minority groups. Moreover, cases by state on discrimination and violence against minority groups have not been properly investigated.

Unemployment

Unemployment in Germany among the immigrants is twice as high that of the native workers. A large number of immigrants work in blue collar industries and are underrepresented in immigrant entrepreneurship. In United States, the ethnically structured job queuing work to the advantage of the immigrants. Kanas, Tubergen, and Van (2011), argues that accessing vocational training in Germany is also ethnically structured. Therefore, since there are lower numbers of ethnic business owners this means fewer opportunities in accessing training. Difficulty in accessing social networks by the immigrants has also contributed to their high number of unemployment. Moreover, the institutional mechanism of promotion and job allocation is not clearly tied to network processes. According to Visser (2006), there is collective bargaining coverage on about two-thirds of jobs in Germany. The existence of ties in formal education ensures that workers receive similar benefits and similar occupational status. Also, permanent workers are protected from unfair dismissals by the German employment law.

Conflicts in Germany

There are no major conflicts experienced in Germany among the ethnic groups. Conflict in Germany was at its peak she was actively involved in World War II under their Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. After five years of war, Germany had paid the price and was agreed their soldiers would never go to war again. The war gradually turned and the Nazis started suffering from military defeats in 1943. The ethnic groups include the Saxons, Bavarians, Frisians, Thuringians, Swabians and the Franks. Despite the six groups, there are also the external immigrants. All these groups consist of smaller subgroups that have stereotypes about each other. Also, the United States is diverse in race and ethnicity of their citizens. The race and ethnicity are sociopolitical and hence attributed to every person. Over the years however, the immigrant population has mixed with the indigenous inhabitants.

Religious Conflict

Another source of conflict was the religion mainly between the Protestants and the Catholics. Martin Luther initiation of the Reformation in 1517 led to division of the German Christians with the two major religions being Catholic and the Protestants. Religion has a much influence on culture, economy and social development of any country. The majority of each territory in Germany would follow the religion of the ruler. A majority of German citizens agreed to pay church tax which in turn was used to support hospitals, group homes and community centres. The emergent of secular Germans has however influenced unity between the two religions. Nevertheless, there is diversity of religious beliefs and practices in the United States. The major religious conflict faced by Americans is their war against terrorism. Although a number Muslim leaders have distanced themselves and criticized terrorism, others especially in Middle East are silent on terrorism. Although terrorism is not shared by most Muslims it is a radical part of the Muslim. Majority of Americans are Christians and religion plays an important role in their lives.

Stereotype

Stereotyping exist both in Germany and United States. Nonetheless, the millennial generation has taken up the workplace by storm. Millennial is marked by young individuals highly educated, ambitious and technologically savvy. Both Germany and United States have created a platform to nurture technology startups. The Silicon Valley in United States has led to growth of businesses run by young generation. Today marks the age of software nerds and their interests are similar whether in Germany or United States. Also, in Germany, teens specialize at a younger age and are encouraged to focus on their career path as early as 14years old. Students are mentored in universities and through internships as well as special programs to become the best of the best.

Conclusion

The diversity of ethnic groups enhances the culture in our societies. Culture is about our everyday life and provides a proper guideline for the social structures such as the family. Culture ensures our identity and continuity of our respective ethnic groups. The cultural differences between the ethnic groups include dressing, language and traditions. Diversity provides us with a chance to experience things outside of what we are accustomed to. Sarah, (2016) argues that diversity reduces social capital between ethnic groups and within the groups too. To date, communication between countries is more frequent and more students are choosing to study abroad. On the other hand, viewing ones culture as being superior result in discrimination and prejudice.

References

Dearden, L. (2017). UN accuses Germany of ‘institutional racism and racist stereotyping’ against people of African decent. Retrieved on 22nd November 2017 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-racism-stereotype-african-decent-black-united-nations-un-police-authorities-customs-a7603771.html

Kanas, A, Van, T., & Van, L. (2011). The role of social contacts in the employment status of immigrants. International sociology. Vol 26, 95-122

Sarah, T. (2016). The importance and benefits of diversity. Retrieved on 22nd November from https://www.teenik.com/opinion/environment/article/465407/The-importance-and-benefits-of-diversity/

Visser, J. (2006). Union membership statistics in 24 countries. Monthly labor review, 129(1), 38-45.