Marc Schmid examines the contradictory participation patterns of Italian-origin migrants in Germany across different social domains. The children of this migrant group, which is considered integrated and less discriminated against, still show low academic success. Against this backdrop, the author addresses various aspects of migration sociological analysis models and demonstrates that network structures and related tacit knowledge shape the primary action horizon of emigrants even in the German context. They prove to be differently adaptable in various institutional areas. In the school system, institutional patterns of discrimination are also effective against Italians, who have not been met with a coordinated response due to fragmented organizational structures and individualized action strategies.