Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• Hossein MIRZAEI

Faculty member Cultural Studies department Faculty of Social Sciences Allameh Tabataba'i University. Tehran-Iran,

Abstract

This article examines the transformation of cultural taste and identity politics among Afghan immigrants in Iran, focusing on changes in dress. As a result of migration and prolonged exposure to Iranian culture, Afghan immigrants experience significant shifts in clothing styles, reflecting broader processes of cultural adaptation and identity negotiation. These changes are influenced by various factors, including social and cultural pressures, generational differences, age, education, employment, and media exposure. Younger generations (second and third) are more influenced by Iranian fashion trends and tend to adopt modern clothing, while older generations (first) generally strive to preserve traditional Afghan attire. However, many immigrants blend traditional and contemporary clothing as a strategy to maintain cultural identity while adapting to the host society. The study employs an ethnographic approach, using participant observation and in-depth interviews with 16 Afghan immigrants residing in Shahrak-e Qaem, Qom. Findings reveal that clothing is not only a personal or aesthetic choice but also a symbolic representation of identity, power, and belonging. Changes in dress reflect complex interactions between native and host cultures and illustrate how immigrants navigate between cultural preservation and social integration. The research highlights the role of generational differences, media influence, and socio-cultural contexts in shaping the evolving dress preferences of Afghan immigrants in Iran.

Keywords

• Identity politics
• dress
• clothing
• Afghan immigrants
• Iran
• cultural identity

Main Subjects

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