Reflection on Integration and Multiculturalism of Islam in Germany

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7 cities and 5 countries later I had a firm believe that I knew exactly what integration and multiculturalism was- however, when asked for a definition and the implication of such within a society I was left short of words. I have always had a strong emotional connection to integration and multiculturalism, having lived in many different places with such diverse cultures-Brazil, UAE, Mozambique, England, Germany- I was fortunate enough to experience what is to grow up among worlds. Being a Third culture kid (a person who has had their developmental years outside their parent’s culture) I had learned what I thought it was the true meaning of trying to accept and integrate within a different culture and society. However, never had I even imagined the theories, and researches behind such knowledge- naively for me it was almost as if accepting others and allowing for multiculturalism was common sense. The challenges involved, such as ethical, social, and political, were obstacles that I had never even imagined, and I was lucky enough to fully explore these and fulfill my goal in having a more well rounded opinion on the subject by doing my own research for the first time where our aim was to ‘assess different view patterns towards Integration of Islam in Germany within selected Bremer citizens’ using Q-methodology.
Multiculturalism can be simply defined as the notion of different cultures living together while integration deals with how well cultures are integrated, accepted, within the society. Like this definition, my view on the subject was just as innocent as I had never incorporated the difficulties and controversies of multiculturalism and integration into my point of view. Through the readings, videos and class discussions I...

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...e not only a way to challenge my already pre formed opinions, but to fully understand the theories behind my knowledge. It has most importantly given me the opportunity to become a researcher and fully comprehend the importance of research studies as well as their challenges and limitations. I have gone from a naïve believer of the positives of integration and multiculturalism, to someone who can fully understand its challenges and possible negative aspects. I am now capable of conducting my own experiment in a fair and ethical way- fully understanding the reasoning and drastic consequence of lacking in either aspect. As well as I am self aware of my preferences and interests in research, which I believe will help me in my future studies. This experience has taught me from the background context to the practical practice of what is multiculturalism and integration.

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