Immigrant Residential Segregation in Iran: A Mixed Methods Study

Leila Zandy, Yazd University
Rasoul Sadeghi, Tehran University
Hossein Afrasiabi, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Yazd University
Abbas Askari-Nodoushan, University of Yazd, Iran

The issue of immigrants’ spatial concentration is a controversial topic in host societies. The study aimed to investigate the residential patterns and perceptions of Afghan immigrants, exploring the factors influencing their residential choices. By combining quantitative data from the 2016 Iran census and qualitative interviews with 45 participants, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of immigrants' spatial concentration in Iran. According to the census data, Afghan immigrants tend to live primarily in major cities and metropolises in Iran at the national level. Regionally, they are concentrated in the central cities of provinces, and locally, they are most prominent in specific neighborhoods. The results from a qualitative study revealed that seven main categories were identified, such as social interactions, social networks, participation in specific job sectors, socio-cultural activities, low human capital, familiarity with neighborhood, and residential policies. Finally, we have pinpointed the core category of “ethnic enclave”. Therefore, the study’s findings can contribute to enhancing understanding of the experiences of this marginalized group.

Keywords: Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Spatial Demography, Migrant Populations and Refugees, International Migration

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