Processes of Coping with Difference among Adolescents

Abstract

Against the backdrop of their collective identity, identity formation poses a special challenge to young Alevis and Afghan Christians. In Turkey, Alevis constitute a marginalized group not officially recognized by the state. In Afghanistan, conversion to Christendom is denounced as apostasy and is punished with death. This contribution compares the coping strategies of two young adults who are radically segregated by the state’s majority due to their marginalized religious identity. German diaspora offers new degrees of freedom. Thus, besides many psychosocial burdens for immigrants and their descendants, the two adolescents can confidently accept their difference and integrate it into their diverse identity.

Keywords

• coping processes
• adolescence
• migration/diaspora communities
• religion
• identity
• Alevi faith