ABSTRACT
Sociologists use the concept of integration in two different ways: In its first meaning, the term “integration” simply refers to the incorporation of new members into a society; and individual integration must be analytically distinguished from structural integration. The notion of structural integration is closely connected with the paradigm of structural-functional theory and with its successor, social systems theory. System integration is achieved by means of standardized media of exchange, especially money and power. The structures of modern western state societies are characterized by a capitalist market economy based upon money and a democratic and bureaucratic state administration which acts by means of formal-legal power. The main reasons were the economic success, the efficient public administration and a far-reaching acceptance of the constitutional order, combined with a strong rejection of eastern state-socialism. The “re-unification” of Germany always remained a central element of the official philosophy of the West German state.
