School of Philosophical Historical and International Studies

Following a significant increase in refugee arrivals in 2015, the German parliament passed the controversial 'Integration Act' in mid-2016 to 'support and demand' the integration of refugees in Germany. This thesis investigates the consequences of the 2016 Integration Act for the labour market integration of refugees in Germany, using qualitative interviews with expert informants and drawing upon evidence from previous research in this field. It is found that although the Act will support early access to German courses, vocational training and employment for some refugees, its broad exclusion clauses will push many others into long-term unemployment and marginalisation. The Act will also delay many refugees' contact with integration services and the labour market, disadvantaging their subsequent labour market prospects as a result. It is also shown that, in various ways, the Act treats refugees as voluntary economic migrants, thereby diminishing and undermining the special status of refugee protection, and overlooking the different circumstances of refugees compared to other migrants. It is argued that this approach is inappropriate for refugees, and that the risks of marginalisation could be avoided if the Act's exclusion clauses are removed.

An introduction to the biography, historical context and theology of Gregory of Nazianzus (329 - 390AD), also known as Gregory the Theologian. Particular attention is given to the place of paradox in his theology of the Incarnation, the significance of personhood, equality and relationality in his conception of the Trinity, and the theme of deification / theosis in his thought.