Jewish migration and diversity in Vienna and Berlin (1881 – 1918)

The project aims to comparative analyse the integration and transfer by immigration in Berlin and Vienna from 1881-1918. The sociological thesis will be investigated that in the area of modern metropolises there was not only place for sociocultural "exclusion" and forced "assimilation", but also for social segregation and diversity. The nationalism tried to homogenise the society. This exclusion was not able to stop immigration, cultural diversity and transfers. The industrialisation and the concentration of the infrastructures, the chance for employment, education, social advancement and liberality attracted immigrants and was a benefit for the civil society. A quantitative analysis of the Jewish life courses and family patterns as well as the kinship and witness networks wille also be executed. The project is complemented with an international travelling exhibition about trans-migration and help for refugees and transit help in the 19th and 20th century.