Review of Afghanistan developments
Iran ranks among the largest host countries for Afghan refugees. The arrival of Afghan refugees in Iran began with the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. At that time, Iran was experiencing economic difficulties and a decline in resources; nevertheless, it chose to accept refugees based on humanitarian and Islamic considerations. This trend continued for many years until the establishment of a republican regime in Afghanistan, which shifted the migration patterns. However, after the events of 2024 and the return of the Taliban, another significant wave of Afghan migration to Iran took place, leading to an increase in the Afghan refugee population within Iran.
The identity of Afghan refugees: a complex and difficult process
The process of identity formation for Afghan migrants in Iran is characterized by its complexity and the numerous challenges it presents in the realms of migration and social integration. This difficulty arises from the dual reality that, while Afghan migrants possess certain commonalities with Iranian society, they also confront notable differences that compel them to reassess their identity in a foreign environment. Influencing this process are factors such as social inequalities and the migrants’ legal status. According to theories of social identity, Afghan migrants often find themselves compelled to emphasize their Afghan identities in relation to the host society, largely due to various social obstacles encountered during their identity reconstruction. This situation creates a conflict between their connections to both Iranian and Afghan societies, which can ultimately lead to an identity crisis.
Cultural and linguistic identity
A significant challenge faced by Afghan refugees in Iran pertains to the cultural and linguistic disparities that exist between the two nations. While Persian serves as the predominant language in both countries, variations in dialects and accents can hinder effective communication in daily interactions. Afghan individuals may struggle with the use of certain words and phrases, leading to feelings of alienation and increased isolation. Consequently, language emerges as a crucial element of identity, significantly influencing the socialization and integration of refugees. Furthermore, despite the cultural parallels between Iran and Afghanistan, notable cultural distinctions can impact the identity of Afghan refugees. Differences in social behaviors, cultural practices, and lifestyles between Iranians and Afghans may contribute to identity-related challenges, fostering a sense of alienation and complicating the refugees’ efforts to establish their identity.
Complete social disapproval
The social and cultural challenges encountered by Afghan refugees in Iran constitute a primary concern, affecting their daily interactions. They are often labeled as “others” in their dealings with Iranians, which hinders their complete acceptance within Iranian society. As a result, this situation gives rise to a fragmented and dual identity among Afghan refugees.
Legal status of Afghan refugees
The legal position of Afghan refugees in Iran plays a crucial role in shaping their identity. The uncertainty and informality surrounding their status, along with the absence of various social services, greatly affect their psychological well-being, fostering a sense of disconnection and identity loss. This, in turn, negatively influences the establishment of their social identity.
Given the considerations outlined above and the presence of multiple generations of Afghan immigrants in Iran, the ensuing discussion will delve into the examination of identity formation and its redefinition.
Identity Formation in the First and Second Generation of Afghan Refugees
The Afghan refugee community in Iran is marked by a lack of uniformity and cohesion. There are significant generational differences in how social and identity integration occurs. For individuals who were not born in Afghanistan, the interplay of internal and external influences that shapes their identity takes place within the Iranian community. This process results in the development of an identity that is fundamentally different from that of those born in Afghanistan, as well as from their parents’ identities. In the familial context, individuals may adopt the values and norms of their parents; however, their growth within the community leads them to embrace cultural, social, and national principles that reflect the values of their new environment. Consequently, this leads to the emergence of a new identity in which individuals may not fully identify as either Afghan or Iranian.
Individuals socialized within Iranian society often exhibit little to no attachment to their parents’ country of origin. In the most optimistic circumstances, their affinity for Afghan culture and society is minimal. Additionally, they continue to be viewed as guests by the Iranian populace. The contradictions that arise from the stagnation between these two states, along with the transitions between these opposing realities, create a landscape of challenges, problems, and confusion for this group of immigrants as they navigate the complexities of identity formation.
The parents of today’s Iranian immigrant generation largely belong to the first wave of immigrants who were forced to leave their homeland in adulthood, having completed their socialization in Afghanistan. This background results in their identities being deeply embedded in Afghan society, while their children find themselves caught between two distinct cultures. They grow up in an environment rich in Afghan traditions and customs, yet their early experiences in Iranian society involve interactions with individuals who do not embody Afghan cultural values. The dominant influences of the community, educational institutions, and media significantly shape the personalities of these children, resulting in a development that diverges considerably from the cultural heritage of their parents.
This generation of immigrants faces significant challenges in balancing the expectations and demands of one culture at home with those of another culture at school. Consequently, young individuals may experience a conflict between these two distinct worlds, resulting in a fragmented sense of identity that hinders their ability to engage in typical identity development and to fully embrace a cohesive identity.
Evidence indicates that intergenerational conflict is a common experience among immigrant families, particularly when children gravitate towards the host culture and fail to appreciate their parents’ native values and traditions. It is crucial to note that many individuals in this generation possess little practical connection to Afghan society. They tend to identify as individuals whose identities are shaped by their life in Iran, fostering a sense of belonging, commitment, and attachment to Iranian culture and society. This includes a sense of loyalty to Iran’s political system and national values, as well as recognizing Iran as their homeland.
Even though these individuals develop their identity in this way and consider themselves to be Iranian, they do not assimilate into the Iranian host society and are seen as outsiders. This feeling of inferiority compared to other citizens leads to a profound sense of separation, a lack of belonging, and a marked difference in their experiences.
The Final point
The delineation of the first and second generations of Afghan immigrants in Iran presents a multifaceted and often contradictory scenario, influenced by an array of cultural, social, and legal elements. The first generation, largely rooted in Afghan heritage, constructs their identity through the lens of Afghan customs and traditions. Nevertheless, their experience in Iran is fraught with difficulties, including economic and social obstacles, limited legal rights, and cultural dissonance. In contrast, the second generation, born and raised in Iran, navigates a dual cultural landscape, often feeling neither entirely Afghan nor fully Iranian. This ambivalence can result in an identity crisis, fostering feelings of social isolation and a lack of belonging.
In light of the ongoing discussions about the organization of Afghan refugees and the development of legislation by the National Migration Organization, it is essential to address the identity of Afghan refugees who are legally present in Iran.
