In my study I concentrate on German politicians with migrant-background. The process analysed in this study and this paper particularly traces ambivalences and contradictions within their political careers. It should be noted that the study proceeded in a socio-political environment where the debates on thesis like ‘multiculturalism is dead’ and ‘multi-kulti is still possible’ clash. Within this landscape the study aims to figure patterns of meaning that actors grant to the marker, that demonstrates an alternating understanding of having a migration background and prove thereby that this is not a zero-sum game. As the analysis below will show, it is possible to deploy advantages of multicultural resources combined with ethnic neutrality presented by a strong focus on professional competence. The analysis shows how personal aspects of having a migration background and collective commitments through political party membership can be successfully joggled concomitant with the interests pursued. This study points out twofold statements, on the one hand there are constrains that elected politicians with migration background face regarding their relationship with migrant communities and their partially false portrayal in the public. On other hand it flesh outs constrains resulting from the practice of and preference for party representative functions within the parliament.
