‘Minority’ Representation in Germany

Immigrants make up a sizeable portion of the German population; yet they are only minimally represented in Germany's national and state legislative bodies. This article seeks to explain the extent of formal representation of Germany's migrant communities at the national and state level using a political opportunity structure model. Drawing on literature that examines the level of representation in the US, for example, for race and ethnic minorities and for women, this article argues that critical barriers to as well as opportunities for greater minority participation lie with Germany's legal framework for naturalisation; the political party system; and the ideological and discursive environment. Recent years have seen important changes in each of these areas, suggesting that Germany may be moving toward a representative system characterised by greater cultural pluralism and political inclusiveness.