Religiosität und Integration: drei Bemerkungen zu einer ambivalenten Beziehung

European societies have become more and more multiethnic and multireligious due to the large amount of immigration in recent decades. The core of the contribution deals with the role religious affiliation plays in the integration process. In theory, religion is an important unifying factor for newly arrived migrants, but this is of decreasing importance parallel to the increasing length of stay in the target country. In empirical studies, this time dependent process is hard to prove; it seems that other factors (qualification, country of origin) are more important. In specific circumstances, however, religion has become an important factor when migrants rely on specific traditions and norms, which are in conflict with that of the majority. These norm conflicts are presented exemplified by some court cases. The contribution ends with the recommendation that an overemphasizing religious influence should be reduced to make the integration process easier for the immigrant population.