The lack of legal socialization and the necessity of legal integration: a case study of asylum seekers in Germany

Abstract

This study addresses the lack of legal socialization of adult asylum seekers in Germany and their need for legal education programs. It argues that, unlike native-born individuals, adult asylum seekers often lack prior exposure to the legal frameworks of their host countries, having been socialized under distinct legal systems in their countries of origin. As a result, targeted legal education initiatives are crucial for bridging this gap and facilitating their incorporation into the host society’s legal system. This study examines a legal socialization initiative led by two civil society organizations, Diakonisches Werk Waldeck-Frankenberg and the European Academy for Democracy, to address this challenge in Korbach, Germany. Based on 23 qualitative interviews with workshop participants and trainers, the study underscores the urgent need for such programs to enhance asylum seekers’ understanding of their rights and obligations. The findings provide empirical evidence that legal education is a critical yet understudied aspect of asylum seeker integration, offering valuable insights for policymakers and scholars and emphasizing the need to incorporate legal socialization into integration policies.