The outcasts, the unwelcome, and the admired. Resocialization, welfare, and democratization 1945-1950

Did the approach towards ostracized collaborators, unwanted German refugees and admired resistance fighters strengthen the democracy and the welfare system? That is one of the main questions in this cross-institutional project about resocialization and democratization in Denmark after World War II.
The project examines how the authorities prepared 60.000 refugee children for a future in a democratic Germany, how imprisoned Danish SS-soldiers were de-nazified, and whether the many young resistance fighters were reintegrated into civilian society. Thus, this project provides empirical research and versatile communication about highly current issues connected to deradicalization and citizenship.

The partners are Sydvestjyske Museer, Vardemuseerne, Viborg Museum, and Danish Centre for Welfare Studies, SDU. University of Aarhus/DPU, National Museum of Denmark, and Esbjerg Municipality’s school service, Myrthue, participates in parts of the project.