Acculturation and Prospects for Repatriation: Understanding Identity Dynamics of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

Abstract

Conflicts lead to various consequences; mass migration is one of them. The circumstances prevailing in Afghanistan, for almost four decades now, have led to the displacement of Afghan citizens in large numbers – both internally and internationally. Pakistan, being the neighbouring country of Afghanistan, has been and continues to be the hosting country of the largest number of Afghan refugees during all this time. Residing in a country – not primarily the country of their origin – leads to cultural transitions in the refugees; the process is referred to as acculturation. This research studies the aforementioned process using the theoretical concepts underlined in the social identity theory, its extension – self categorisation theory, and the identity negotiation theory. These theories are significant in understanding the social categorisations and group processes in addition to giving insight over how the identity is negotiated when the context changes. Keeping this in perspective, the prospects for repatriation of the Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan are also explored. The data, collected through the narrative-based unstructured interviews, is processed using the thematic narrative analysis. The research is significant not only in filling the gap in the existing literature regarding the Afghan refugees in Pakistan but also facilitates in understanding the durability and sustainability of their repatriation. The research findings indicate a considerably positive response towards integration, whereas cases of assimilation and separation are also realised. These findings, however, are informed by certain contributing variables. In case of the choice for repatriation, these variables and factors remain equally contributive, while the prevalence of peace and economic stability in Afghanistan are echoed as necessary conditions for repatriation by Afghan refugees.