Investigating Cultural Adaptation of Immigrants Case Study: Azeri Immigrants in Rasht

Nowadays, many people across the world immigrate for several reasons, such as war, work, education, etc. Now, different cultures, beliefs, values, opinions and customs in different societies will affect the personality structure and the trait of immigrants, tremendously, which can lead to positive or negative changes in behavior or even hurt these individuals. Hence, adaptation to culture and new customs for immigrants is a very necessary and considerable. (Kawandi, Safarai, 2013: 15)
Cultural adaptation is an issue happening in the cultural, social, psychological, political, demographic context, and so on. It stands to the reason that discussions about interdisciplinary research are more paid attention (Qaramlaki, 2006: 392). Growing immigration particularly from villages to cities and metropolises has been emerged and characterized by the anonymity of immigrants, individualism and the existence of diverse groups and subcultures that have to live together and survive under a dominant culture. Otherwise they would be drawn to cultural isolation. Nevertheless, the migration itself is one of the most complicated social phenomenon as it requires adaptability. The main subject in this research is the examination of the compatibility of Azeri immigrants in Rasht city and groups which embrace the dominant culture and identity. Also, another question is: which groups resist against the common culture in Rasht?

Material & Methods 

The research method was survey and the case study included 350 Azeri men and women over 14 years of residence duration of in Rasht, chosen based on cluster sampling method. In order to measure the reliability of the assessment tool, Cronbach's alpha method was used, and formal validity was utilized to evaluate the validity of the research. The theoretical model used in this study was John Burry's four-side theory. In this theoretical model, based on each adaption pattern chosen by immigrants, social adaptation is comprehended from a theoretical and practical viewpoint.

 Discussion of Results & Conclusions

Analyzing the research assumption, there was a significant relationship between the variables of ethnic belonging sense, residence duration, gender and positive attitude towards the host society and cultural adjustment, although there was no significant relationship between the criteria of age and immigrant’s association with the cultural origin and culture community. The analysis of the first hypothesis proved that there was a significant relationship between ethnic belonging sense and cultural adaptation. People with a higher sense of ethnic belonging are proud of their ancestral and inherited city and their home. The outcome of the second hypothesis demonstrated that there was no relationship between the immigrant’s association with the original community and cultural compatibility. They are obliged to adhere to the dominant culture of the host society, even despite their connection to the original community. The analysis of the third hypothesis of the research demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between the residence duration in Rasht and cultural adjustment. People with longer residence will try to adopt themselves to the host community. However, immigrants, who live shorter, are more subject to follow the integration pattern and cultural adaptation. The analysis of the fourth hypothesis proved that a positive attitude toward the host community also affect the acceptance of the dominant culture, positively. Over time (residence duration), the process of adaptation and adjustment to the host culture gradually comes up, and immigrants show less resistance to the culture of the host community. The fifth hypothesis, considering the relationship between the variability of gender and cultural adaptation, was confirmed. That is, the experience of living in a destination and host society for women and men leads different cultural adaptations. Women adaptation with the culture of the host community is higher. But, in men, the components of ethnic identity stick out more. The sixth hypothesis, concerning the age and cultural adaptability of immigrants, was not approved, that is, increasing age and diversity of the generation did not affect the cultural adjustment of Azeri immigrants. Since each culture has special and unique advantages and strengths, which can amplify the national culture of a country, it is suggested that these unique features strengthen and connect interculturalism. Rasht should be seen as a city of cultural diversity, whose citizens consider their own homeland.