The challenge of forming solidarity in Germany as a culturally diverse society during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of people became infected, hospitals were overwhelmed and the healthcare system was under extreme pressure. In order to overcome any pandemic, society must stay united. Therefore, the German government repeatedly urged all citizens to show solidarity and cooperate in overcoming the pandemic. However, considering the similarity conditions necessary to realize solidarity, it is questionable whether people with and without a migration background demonstrated solidarity with each other. Germany has a long history of immigration and has Europe’s highest immigration rate. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted on the sense of solidarity within people with a migration background during the pandemic. This paper aims to highlight the lack of mutual solidarity between people with and without a migration background. This provides critical insights into how culturally diverse societies could unite in solidarity and overcome future pandemics.