CULTURAL ASSIMILATION IN EUROPE A CASE OF TURKISH MIGRANTS IN GERMANY AND THE NETHERLANDS

Abstract

High numbers of Turkish labor migrants arrived in Germany and the Netherlands during the 1960s; this first group is now elderly. The objective of this qualitative study is to examine the social networks and activities of these older Turkish immigrants who have grown mature in Germany and the Netherlands. This essay demonstrates an increasing interest in the value of older people's social capital, which includes their social networks, social support, and social involvement. Their regular social interactions in Germany and the Netherlands are the main subjects of this research. The results show that involvement in organizations, and social After having children and during the post-retirement era, they can re-establish new social roles through clubs and neighborhood social groups. Their regular small groups are excellent sources of mental support. It is claimed that their relatively low human capital influences the homogeneity of their social networks but not the diversity of their social interactions. This essay also emphasizes how Turks have adopted their customs and culture in their daily lives.

Keywords—Assimilation, culture, Turks, Turks in Germany and the Netherlands, immigration