Family traditions and integration of migrants

migration and integration crisis

How well people with a migration background adapt to life in this country often depends on their level of education and their language skills.

“The extent to which you can integrate as an immigrant often depends on the country of origin,” Gabriele Rechberger recognises. The majority of the first generation people from Turkey, Greece or former Yugoslavia already feel Austrian. People who travel back to their countries of origin frequently are often unable to let go.

Those who fled Iran and Afghanistan struggle a great deal with finding an identity, as some of them don't really have a home anywhere – some of them only lived in their country of origin for a short time or never lived there at all.

“In Iran there were no rights for Afghans such as attending school, and there were irregular working conditions particularly for minors. This creates the basis for a parallel world and can lead to multiple problems,” says Rechberger.

Ultimately, though, the extent to which people can and want to detach themselves from the traditions and behaviours of their original home is primarily linked to the level of education and German skills.

In their counselling situations, the employees at VIELE specifically address the fact that we are in Austria and the rules here apply, at the same time guaranteeing protection against discrimination and marginalisation. Burqas, for example, have to be taken off. “We justify this by the fact that we want to look the people we’re talking to in the eye.”

There are also questions about whether certain behaviours are actually as rooted in religion as is often argued. These are primarily topics such as violence in relationships and bans on education and work for girls and women.

In counselling situations, it is important to find qualified counsellors who know their own cultural background and understand exactly what the problem is.

If you want to talk to a trained professional about this topic, you are welcome to contact a suitable counselling centre. The appointments at the Austrian family counselling centres are free of charge.