This article presents a study that examines the reaction of various social groups to the utilitarian migration narrative, which views migration as the solution to problems of demographic change. Based on 10 focus groups with over 80 participants, the study shows that the narrative is received with ambivalence, as it reduces migrants to their economic utility and ignores structural barriers, such as those hindering their labour market access. People are calling for more nuanced narratives and a connection to shared values. The study develops five concrete building blocks for an evidence-based and future-oriented communication that takes migrant perspectives into account.
© 2025 Ramona Rischke, published by ZBW – Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.