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Between precarity and the promise of advancement? Working and living conditions of migrants in the Ruhr region - yesterday and today

Fast facts

  • Date & Time

Information

The event deals with the specific experiences, working and living conditions of migrants in the Ruhr area from the second half of the 20th century onwards. We will look at similarities and differences between historical phases of migration to the Ruhr area compared to today. Despite different political, Business Studies and legal frameworks, there are similar experiences and patterns. The aim is to make less noticed perspectives visible in an interdisciplinary and practical way and to shed light on blind spots.

Program

  • 12.00 - 12.30 p.m.: Arrival and snack
  • 12.30 - 12.45 p.m.: Welcome
  • 12.45 - 13.00: Input "Labor migration yesterday and today"
  • 13.00 - 14.30: Students from the Faculty of Applied Social Studies at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences(Opens in a new tab) : Presentation of interviews with former "guest workers" and Hoeschians
  • 14.30 - 15.00: Break
  • 15.00 - 16.15: Panel discussion with representatives of migrant organizations, advice centres and researchers on working and living conditions, especially for migrants
  • 16.30: Reading by journalist and author Gün Tank from her book "Die Optimistinnen" about the untold stories of first-generation female migrant workers
  • 17.00 hrs: Exchange and conclusion

Target group and registration

The event is aimed at practitioners and academics, students and representatives from local authorities, civil society and charities.

Participation is free of charge, the number of places is limited and only possible after registration. Please register by June 18, 2025 to Hoesch-Museum at cruesbergstadtdode 

On the subject

Migration has shaped the Ruhr area more than almost any other region in Germany. While the arrival of tens of thousands of refugees has dominated perceptions in recent years, there has always been a strong influx of (labour) migrants in the Ruhr region since industrialization: Starting with the so-called Ruhr Poles in the 19th century to the "guest workers" since the mid-1950s to the current recruitment of skilled workers or the influx of migrant workers from the EU's eastward expansion.

From the perspective of the host society, the contribution of migrants to social and economic development is often not seen, forms of precarization and discrimination are ignored and access to social security is questioned. There is also often a lack of awareness of the situation and multiple burdens faced by women who migrate for work opportunities.

The event is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs(Opens in a new tab) .

Organizer

Location

Hoesch-Museum Dortmund

Eberhardstr. 12, 44145 Dortmund

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