Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Transnational Ties and Identity Dynamics of the Second-Generation Afghan Diaspora in Isfahan, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Hasanreza Yosofvand
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Payam Noor University, PO Box 3697-19395, Tehran, Iran
10.22055/qjsd.2025.49083.3043
Abstract
The Afghan diaspora in Isfahan, Iran, constitutes a vibrant and diverse community that actively sustains its Afghan identity through extensive transnational engagements across social, cultural, economic, and political domains. This study investigates the transnational activities of second-generation Afghan migrants in Isfahan, aiming to identify the factors that either facilitate or hinder these connections. Specifically, it examines the influence of discrimination experiences, religious participation, age, education, and income on the intensity and nature of transnational involvement. Data were collected from 259 participants using a purposive snowball sampling method and a standardized questionnaire designed to assess transnational practices. Statistical analyses, conducted with SPSS and AMOS software, confirm that second-generation Afghans in Isfahan maintain robust transnational ties in all dimensions, with particularly strong engagement in cultural and social spheres, followed by economic and political activities. The findings reveal that experiences of discrimination significantly amplify religious participation, which plays a pivotal role in strengthening transnational activities within the community. Additionally, education and religious identity emerge as key drivers of transnationalism, while gender shows no significant effect. These results highlight the complex interplay of social, cultural, and structural factors in shaping the transnational identity of the Afghan diaspora in Iran. The study underscores the importance of addressing discrimination through targeted policies to foster social integration and reduce reactive transnationalism, providing critical insights into the dynamics of identity, belonging, and cross-border connections among second-generation Afghan migrants in Isfahan.
 
Keywords
Afghan Diaspora
Transnationalism
Discrimination
Religious Participation
Second Generation
Subjects
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Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)
Volume 19, Issue 3 - Serial Number 75
Vol. 19, No. 3, Spring 2025
Spring 2025
Pages 249-276