Better integrated due to a German partner?: an analysis of differences in the integration of foreigners in intra- and inter-ethnic partnerships in Germany

In: OBETS: revista de ciencias sociales, Heft 1, S. 21

Abstract

This paper analyses differences in the integration of foreigners living in intra- and inter-ethnic partnerships in Germany. According to social distance theory, it is assumed that migrants living in an inter-ethnic partnership should be better integrated or should have better conditions for a successful integration than foreigners living in an intra-ethnic partnership. This hypothesis is analysed by using data from the first wave of the German Integration Panel, a longitudinal survey of integration course participants. The analyses conducted led to the central result that participants of an integration course are more integrated when they have a German partner without migration background. This is especially true for their cultural integration, i.e. knowledge and usage of the German language, but also for their social and emotional integration.