Life Strategies of Migrant Families in Marginalised Urban Districts

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Christine Riegel
• Co-Applicants: Dr. Thomas Geisen; Professor Dr. Erol Yildiz
• Subject Area: Education Systems and Educational Institutions
• Term: from 2012 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 210371100

The life of migrant families in marginalised urban areas often takes place under difficult economic and social conditions. Families develop specific life strategies to deal with these circumstances. This research has significance to both migration and urban research, but is an area that has been largely unexplored to date. This study will utilise a qualitative methodology to identify the life strategies used by migrant families in marginalised urban areas in Stuttgart (Germany), Klagenfurt (Austria) and Basel (Switzerland). The key focus will be to find out how families seek to engage in education and earning opportunities. Research questions will examine the resources that are available for migrant families in marginalized urban areas and, identify commonalities and differences amongst family groups within various local, social and political contexts across the three selected countries. This research provides a platform for in-depth analysis - across international borders, generations and gender - of the life strategies employed by families and individuals within family groups. The research has the potential to contribute valuable knowledge to improving the broader discourse on migration and integration.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, Switzerland
• Participating Person: Professorin Dr. Barbara Stauber