Social cohesion in present-day Germany

Social cohesion in present-day Germany refers to the strength of relationships and sense of solidarity among members of German society, particularly in the context of reunification, immigration, and multiculturalism. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Germany has faced the challenge of integrating East and West Germans, as well as millions of immigrants and refugees, into a unified national identity. This topic explores how factors such as economic inequality, cultural diversity, and political discourse affect social cohesion, and examines policies and initiatives aimed at fostering integration and reducing social divisions.

Understanding social cohesion is crucial for A-Level students because it connects to broader themes in German society, such as national identity, democracy, and the legacy of the Nazi past. The topic also links to contemporary debates about migration, the rise of right-wing populism (e.g., the AfD party), and the role of institutions like schools and the media in promoting shared values. By studying this, students gain insight into how Germany navigates the tension between preserving its cultural heritage and embracing diversity, a challenge faced by many modern societies.

Within the WJEC A-Level specification, this topic falls under the 'Social and political context' of German-speaking countries. It builds on earlier study of German history and culture, and prepares students for discussions about current affairs and the European Union. Mastery of this topic requires analysis of statistical data (e.g., integration reports), case studies (e.g., the 'Willkommenskultur' of 2015), and key concepts like 'Leitkultur' and 'Parallelgesellschaften'.