ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how notions of gendered and ethnocised identity and 'identity politcs' are articulated in social and political activism of migrant women. It looks at two life-stories of migrant women living in Germany this enables the author to explore in detail the ways in which they view their activism as contributing to their subjectivity. For Pinar the experience of being a migrant was a central political issue, already at the time, although there was little collective articulation of a migrants' political position. This led to conflicts with the members of the left-wing organisations, both about determining the privileged field of politics and about authority. For many interviewees, the fantasy of a new migration elsewhere or the longing for Turkey co-exists with a strong commitment to participating in and being part of the society of residence. The chapter argues for a more differentiated examination of political activism, including women's work in community groups.
