Institute of European Studies

Why doesGermany– in contrast to theUS– have a system of integration policies? I begin with the hypothesis that societies have certain basic ways of securing general macro – social, societal integration and of tackling social problems and tensions. Thesemodes of dealing with tensions and social problemsderive from fundamental principles and values of the social order. In the tradition of the German welfare state philosophy starting with Bismarck, the contemporary Soziale Marktwirtschaft is a system of economic, social and political relations that is a basic element of the social order in Germany: an interventionist welfare state to reduce tensions and to help provide social security, social justice and improve opportunities for disadvantaged groups and in general to prevent social exclusion.

When a new social problem arose – immigrant integration – the approach was that used to deal with other social problems, i. e. by means of the welfare state. As a result, migrants have always been included in the major welfare system institutions (health insurance, unemployment insurance and pensions), with systematic special integration policies  added afterGermanyaccepted its status as an immigration country.