TRANSCULTURALIZATION, IMMIGRANTS AND INTEGRATION – OUTLINING NEW SOCIAL PARADIGMS IN EUROPE

Abstract

Abstract: According to the concept of transculturalization in contemporary society there is an establishment of cultural communities, which do not coincide with the borders of the national states but exist beyond and often against them. The transcultural identities, such as the identities of the ethnic diasporas and religious groups, are deteritorialized. This means that they do not have particular territories, such as the territories of the local and national communities. Thus, new cultural borders appear, which, in comparison with the traditional borders, are spiritual and non-material and are related to specific traditions, customs, languages and values, maintained in the frames of the cultural community. Although they cannot be seen on the geographical map, they are strong enough to determine and frame the social space of the community. Together with this they are not fixed but can easily move within space and time. In such a way, autonomous cultural groups appear. Although they exist within the territory of the national state, in reality they surpass its borders. Moreover, the culture of the immigrants not only forge transcultural identities but it challenges some of the most important European values and ideals. In analyzing the processes of transculturalization and of the rise of the religious consciousness, this paper discusses some of the problems related to the integration of immigrants and refugees on the European continent.

Key words: transculturalization, immigrants, integration, Islam, religious fundamentalism