From postmigrant articulations to political subjectification

Abstract

This article deals with the articulations of generations whose parents and/or grandparents immigrated to Austria and Germany and who have been termed postmigrants. After setting out the theoretical background, it explores three concepts: firstly, the interpretations of migration, integration, Islam and Muslims in German-speaking countries and the role these discourses play in current debates; secondly, the postmigrant perspective, which is central to the present research question; and thirdly, Rancière’s reflections on politics and whether the articulations of postmigrants constitute dissent or counter-hegemony. Next, it presents and analyses specific articulations by postmigrants against the background of the theory. As the results of the study show, members of the postmuslim generation face discrimination, racism and socially produced non-belonging in various areas of society. However, they do not, I contend, allow themselves to be forced into a victim role, instead taking varied and proactive approaches to their experiences, and taking a stand.