Black, Muslim, and Asian individuals in Germany face a higher risk of poverty compared to Germans without a migration background, according to a recent survey. The study, titled “Limits of Equality: Racism and the Risk of Poverty,” conducted by the German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) in Berlin, sheds light on the correlation between racism and economic hardship.
Social scientists Zerrin Salikutluk and Klara Podkowik conducted the research based on data from the National Discrimination and Racism Monitor (NaDiRa), a representative survey of everyday racist experiences funded by the federal parliament since 2020. Salikutluk emphasized the lack of detailed data on the economic status of individuals affected by racism in Germany.
The study revealed pervasive discrimination across various sectors, including education, labor, housing, and health care. Discrimination in job searches, particularly among those with a migration background, significantly elevates the risk of poverty. In 2023, individuals earning less than 60% of the statistical average income (€1,310 or $1,410 per month) were considered at risk of poverty. While only 5% of Germans without a migration background fell below this threshold, the figure rose to 20% among Black, Muslim, and Asian respondents.
Even individuals with high levels of education or vocational achievements are not immune to economic hardship in the face of racial discrimination. Muslim men, constituting 33% of those at risk of poverty, are particularly vulnerable, with many hailing from war-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan, where poverty rates are high.
The study highlights systemic biases in the German labor market, as evidenced by discriminatory hiring practices based on ethnic names. Despite residing in Germany for extended periods, being born in the country, or holding German citizenship, individuals with foreign roots continue to face discrimination in employment opportunities.
Salikutluk advocates for targeted measures to combat poverty and promote equal opportunities. Recognizing educational and professional qualifications acquired abroad could accelerate labor market integration for refugees and migrants, providing them access to suitable professions. Additionally, ensuring faster access to language and integration courses is crucial for reducing the high poverty rate among refugees, enabling them to achieve economic independence.