Studying Identity of Second-Generation of Iranians Abroad

The sociological study of the second-generation of Iranians abroad, as a human resource and one of the important factors of human capital, is essential.The present research through mix research synthesis method, analyzes all the studies which have been conducted in this area from 1994 to 2014. The results indicate that the definition of second generation is based on the concept of generation mentality with no age limitation. Additionally, most studies set at the micro and middle level of analysis. While studies in Sweden and Australia have identified an integrated model of identity in this generation, studies in America have recognized the act of concealing the identity as well asidentity crisis. Most studies set at the micro and middle level of analysis and national identity has studied through factors such as the child’s age at arrival, birthplace, language, communication with Iranians, parental social class, the intention of returning to Iran, reference groups. In contrast, studies which have recognized identity crisis in America set at the macro level and applied factors such as the mainstream of international media and the construction of "the other" of Islam and Iran. According to the authors, Edward Said's theory of Orientalism and the theory of media representation of Islam, accurately explain identity crisis among second-generation of Iranians abroad. Therefore, in order to strengthen the identity of this generation, the implementation of cultural policiesmust be based on these major strategies.