Acculturation is the process through which immigrants interact with the host culture, adapting or maintaining their identity, values, and behaviors. This section of The Iranian Diaspora explores the details of cultural adaptation among Iranian and non-Iranian immigrants (such as those from South Asia, Africa, non-Iranian Middle Eastern countries, and Latin America), focusing on adaptation models, influencing factors, challenges, and mental health outcomes. A deeper comparison highlights the differences and similarities across these groups.

Models of Acculturation

According to Berry’s fourfold model (1997), acculturation can occur in four forms:

1. Integration: Maintaining one’s original culture while also adopting aspects of the host culture.
2. Assimilation: Abandoning the original culture in favor of full adoption of the host culture.
3. Separation: Retaining the original culture while rejecting the host culture.
4. Marginalization: Rejecting both original and host cultures.

Iranian Immigrants

Iranians tend to lean toward separation or integration. First-generation immigrants often maintain a strong Persian identity and nationalist worldview, preferring to preserve their culture. Second-generation Iranians are more inclined toward integration, balancing Iranian values (e.g., respect for family) with Western ones (e.g., individualism). For instance, an Iranian immigrant in the U.S. may speak Persian at home and prepare traditional dishes (separation), while socially integrating at work with American colleagues (integration).

Non-Iranian Immigrants

South Asians (e.g., Indians, Pakistanis) often lean toward separation, especially in tightly knit communities, though second-generation individuals, especially the educated, may lean toward assimilation or integration.

Among Africans (e.g., Somalis, Ethiopians), refugees frequently choose separation due to war trauma and social isolation, though gradual integration is possible.

Latin American immigrants (e.g., Mexicans, Colombians) are more likely to assimilate or integrate, aided by linguistic and religious similarities (e.g., Christianity) with Western cultures.

Non-Iranian Middle Easterners (e.g., Syrians) often resemble Iranians in gravitating toward separation, although refugees may experience forced integration due to the need for social support.

Factors Influencing Acculturation

Iranian Immigrants

1. Language: Persian is linguistically distant from Western languages like English, making adaptation challenging, though high education levels (common among Iranian migrants) often mitigate this barrier.
2. Historical Identity: Persian pride and the legacy of the 1979 Revolution can create resistance—both overt and subtle—toward Western culture. However, generational shifts, especially among younger Iranians, show evolving patterns that future research will likely capture. Stereotypes (e.g., being associated with a “terrorist” country) also reinforce social isolation.
3. Gender: Men, due to more active social roles, often adapt more quickly; women, bound by conservative expectations (e.g., homemaking), may adapt more slowly.
4. Generation: Second-generation Iranians, having grown up in Western educational systems, tend to be more flexible and bicultural.

Non-Iranian Immigrants
Languages like Hindi or Dravidian languages may ease English acquisition, but strong religious identity (Hinduism or Islam) may reinforce separation. Conversely, refugee experiences or language barriers (e.g., with Swahili) can slow adaptation. Religion (Islam or Christianity) may serve as a bridge to integration.
For Latin Americans, shared language roots (Spanish-English) and family values help accelerate adaptation.
Meanwhile, non-Iranian Middle Easterners face challenges from war trauma and Arab-Islamic identity, which encourage separation—but economic needs often push toward integration.

Challenges of Cultural Adaptation

Iranian Immigrants

Identity Conflict: Maintaining Persian culture under the pressure of Western individualism can be difficult. Young people may feel torn between obeying parents and seeking Western independence.

Discrimination: Racial and political labeling (e.g., “Middle Eastern”) increases isolation and hinders integration.

Social Pressure: The importance of âberu (family honor) can make it difficult to adopt host culture norms.

Non-Iranian Immigrants

Among South Asians, family pressures to maintain traditions (e.g., arranged marriage) clash with Western values.

For Africans, trauma and lack of tribal structures in host countries may increase marginalization.

Latin American undocumented immigrants often fear deportation, limiting their cultural engagement.

Among non-Iranian Middle Easterners, racial discrimination and religious differences mirror the Iranian experience, but refugees may show less resistance due to immediate survival needs.

Impact on Mental Health

Iranian Immigrants

Integration is usually associated with better mental health (reduced depression and anxiety) as it eases cultural tension.

Separation is linked to social isolation and increased symptoms (e.g., PTSD), particularly in first-generation immigrants.

Marginalization is rare but dangerous when it occurs (e.g., losing Persian identity without adopting the host culture), potentially increasing suicide risk.

Non-Iranian Immigrants

For South Asians, separation can preserve social support but may increase depression due to disconnection from the host society.

Among Africans, separation is common due to trauma and worsens PTSD, though gradual integration reduces symptoms.

For Latin Americans, assimilation or integration is associated with better mental health, though family separation increases stress.

For non-Iranian Middle Easterners, separation can heighten psychological isolation, while forced integration (e.g., learning the language for work) may create additional stress.

Comparison and Conclusion

All groups face identity conflict, discrimination, and family pressure. Integration tends to yield the best psychological outcomes. However, older generations of Iranian immigrants often resist assimilation due to strong Persian identity and political history, while Latin Americans typically assimilate more rapidly due to cultural similarities. Africans and non-Iranian Middle Easterners, affected by trauma, gravitate toward separation, though practical needs (like employment and education) eventually push them toward integration.

Mental health programs must consider these cultural distinctions:

For Iranians, promoting cultural identity alongside integration is key.

For Latin Americans, strengthening family support is essential.

For Africans, addressing trauma should take priority.

These differences underscore the need for culturally responsive interventions tailored to each group’s unique background and adaptation path.