Muslim Life in Germany - Deutsche Islam Konferenz

244 Aspects of Integration
5.2 Social and identificational integration
Social integration is an important aspect of the overall integration
of persons with a migrant background. Social integration
is dependent on the individual possessing the opportunity
to establish and consolidate contact with others through social
interaction (Esser 2000: 275). Social actions give rise to social
networks between the active parties, within which various
forms of communication and social relations are established
and various assets are exchanged by way of social transactions.
The term “assets” refers here not only to material assets, but
also to so-called social capital. In the same manner as economic
capital, social capital can be regarded as an individual resource
which arises from an investment in social relations (Haug 2003:
98). These investments promote mutual expectations with
regard to support and the fulfilment of social obligations in return
by the members of the social network concerned, be they
acquaintances, friends or family members (Haug 1997: 10). The
benefits of social relations are particularly apparent in everyday
situations, such as job-seeking, as well as support in cases
of illness or assistance when moving home. The composition
and scope of a person’s social networks can thus be regarded as
indicators of their level of social capital (Esser 2000: 241). Such
networks include networks of friends or voluntary membership
of associations or organisations, for example.
It is assumed that immigrants are more likely to be better
socially integrated, the more social capital they possess. It
has yet to be established conclusively whether social capital acquired
in organisations relating specifically to an immigrant’s
country of origin are also conducive to integration in the host
society, or whether it rather represents an obstacle to integration.
The latest version of Esser’s integration research method