Paper short abstract:

Using ethnographic examples, this work illustrates the significance of a house in the process of identity formation of "Aussiedler" - ethnic Germans from the former Soviet Union - questions of self-perception and the perception of others.

Paper long abstract:

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain many Russian-Germans - returned to their ancestors' homeland, hoping for a better life, leaving their houses and homes behind them. Supported by the German government the first "homecomers" transported their property in containers. Later, bringing possessions was limited to one suitcase. The objects associated with the former life were carefully selected by the families in order to include them in the forthcoming life in Germany.

Arriving in Germany the Aussiedler faced an unexpected foreign culture and situation: The Germans in Russia became the Russians in Germany - a paradox of identity?

Today, in a large number of German cities these Russian-Germans make up a significant percentage of the population, living in so called "Little Russia - districts". For many Aussiedler building a house is not only a symbol of growing wealth but it is also linked to the final decision of spending one´s life in the homeland of one´s own ancestors. The construction of the house, a collective work, develops into (re-)creating a home in respect of practices, material objects or traditional dishes. A home that is seen as a family capital investment should ensure all the stability and safety that migrants need to become active participants of the German society.

This work that is based on a qualitative research carried out between 2009 and 2011 in Wertheim/Main, Germany explores the exterior and the interior décor of Aussiedlers' houses as well as its symbolic value, helping migrants to create a new home and to (re)define their identity.