Description
Book SynopsisTurkish Guest Workers in Germany tells the post-war story of Turkish guest workers, whom West German employers recruited to fill their depleted ranks. Jennifer A. Miller’s unique approach starts in the country of departure rather than the country of arrival and is heavily informed by Turkish-language sources and perspectives.
Miller argues that the guest worker program, far from creating a parallel society, involved constant interaction between foreign nationals and Germans. These categories were as fluid as the Cold War borders they crossed. Miller’s extensive use of archival research in Germany, Turkey and the Netherlands examines the recruitment of workers, their travel, initial housing and work engagements, social lives, and involvement in labour and religious movements. She reveals how contrary to popular misconceptions, the West German government attempted to maintain a humane, foreign labour system and the workers themselves made crucial, often d
Trade Review
"This book is a must read for scholars of twentieth century German history and an excellent addition for undergraduate classrooms examining modern or twentieth century European or world history." -- Brittany Lehman * EuropeNow *
"This is an excellent study with fascinating insights for those interested in the politics of migration or German history. In emphasizing the individuality of the experience of migration, Jennifer Miller has provided a very helpful balance to so much analysis that neglects the idiosyncrasies of everyday life." -- Alexander Clarkson, King’s College London * German History *
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations and Tables Acknowledgments Introduction Part One 1. The Invitation 2. In Transit 3. Finding Homes Part Two 4. Contested Borders 5. Imperfect Solidarities Conclusion: Contested Histories Notes Bibliography Index
