Socio-Cultural Strategy

Socio-Cultural Strategy

Thematic Analysis of the Ethnic Identity of Gilak Youth: Cultural Challenges and Strategies

Document Type : Original Article

Author
assistant prof of Research Institute of Guilan Studies, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
10.22034/scs.2026.555518.1759
Abstract
Ethnic identity, as one of the fundamental dimensions of social identity, plays a decisive role in shaping individuals' sense of belonging and cultural agency. Given the growing concerns about the forgetting of Gilaki identity among the younger generation, exploring the dimensions of this identity and the challenges it faces has become an undeniable necessity. The present study aims to analyze the ethnic identity of Gilak youth and identify its associated symbols, challenges, and strategies. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and the thematic analysis technique of Braun and Clarke. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 Gilak youth aged 18 to 29 years in the urban areas of the province, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. The findings revealed that the ethnic identity of Gilak youth is organized into four main themes, 13 sub-themes, and 64 concepts: symbols of ethnic identity; factors of transmission or weakening of identity; identity attachments and feelings; and strategies for preserving ethnic identity. Data analysis within the framework of Tajfel's social identity theory indicated that the ethnic identity of Gilak youth is a dynamic and multidimensional phenomenon that simultaneously encompasses feelings of pride and belonging alongside concerns about its decline. Overall, the results suggest that Gilaki identity can be strengthened through continued intergenerational transmission and institutional support, but in the absence of such support, it will face serious threats.
Keywords
Subjects

Abbasi, H (2019). Local Culture - Gilani Identity. Our Guilan Quarterly, 72, 114-124. (In Persian)
Alizadeh, R. (2024). Investigating Rural Residents' Perspectives on the Migration of Non-natives to Guilan Province. Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal, 5(2), 105-120. https://doi.org/10.22124/GSCAJ.2024.24024.1272 (In Persian)
Asel, R., Bulat, A., Gulnara, K., & Zifa, T. (2022). How much language is important for ethnic identity of young Kazakhstanis from inter-ethnic families? Journal of the Siberian Federal University: Humanities, 15(11), 1573–1584.
Azimi, N (2016). History of Guilan – From the Beginning to the End of the Local Rule of Khan Salar. Rasht: Farhang-e Iliya Publications, First Edition. (In Persian)
Berdibekov, M. (2025). Preservation and development of ethnocultural traditions of Koreans in the multi-ethnic environment of Karakalpakstan. Journal of Multidisciplinary Innovation in Science and Education, 1(1), 171–177.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Brookins, C. C. (1996). Promoting ethnic identity development in African American youth: The role of rites of passage. Journal of Black Psychology, 22(3), 388–417. https://doi.org/10.1177/00957984960223008
Chandra, K. (2006). What is ethnic identity and does it matter? Annual Review of Political Science, 9(1), 397–424. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.polisci.9.062404.170715
Costigan, C., Su, T. F., & Hua, J. M. (2009). Ethnic identity among Chinese Canadian youth: A review of the Canadian literature. Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne, 50(4), 261–272. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016880
Fayyazi, M. (2022). Food Categorization: A Cognitive Strategy for Identifying Guilak Ethnic. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 5(2), 59-70. https://doi.org/10.30473/il.2022.59694.1466 (In Persian)
Fisher, S., Reynolds, J. L., Hsu, W., Barnes, J., & Tyler, K. (2014). Examining multiracial youth in context: Ethnic identity development and mental health outcomes. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43(10), 1688–1699.
Heydari, H., Khazaei, A. and Vaziri, M. (2024). Ethnic and National Commonalities in the Peaceful Coexistence of Ethnicities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Islamic Revolution Approach, 18(68), 3-24. https://www.rahyaftjournal.ir/article_213167.html (In Persian)
Horowitz, D. (1985). Ethnic groups in conflict. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Huang, C. Y., & Stormshak, E. A. (2011). A longitudinal examination of early adolescence ethnic identity trajectories. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 17(3), 261–270. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023882
Hutchinson, J., & Smith, A. D. (1996). Ethnicity. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Jafari, A., Faramarziani, S., & Rezagholizadeh, B. (2025). Meaning-making and discourse construction of ethnic identity in social media: A case study of Instagram. Journal of Iranian Cultural Research, 18(4), 73-102. https://doi.org/10.22035/jicr.2026.3348.3615 (In Persian).
Jamshidi, G., & Gghorbi, S. (2024). Analysis of the content of the strategic model of linguistic identity in the fifteenth principle of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Socio-Cultural Strategy, 13(3), 1187-1210. https://doi.org/10.22034/scs.2024.420475.1509 (In Persian)
Jektaji, Mohammad Taghi (2025). The Future of the Gilaki Language and the Risks Ahead. Gilehva Quarterly, 183, 7. (In Persian)
Kim, S. Y., & Chao, R. K. (2009). Heritage language fluency, ethnic identity, and school effort of immigrant Chinese and Mexican adolescents. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 15(1), 27–37.
Kordani, S., Kharazi mohamadvandi Azar, Z. & Soltanifar, M. (2023). Identifying the mental model of experts regarding the influence of ethnic factors in the process of national branding. Socio-Cultural Strategy, 12(4), 1283-1310. https://doi.org/10.22034/scs.2023.390297.1421 (In Persian)
Le, T. N., & Stockdale, G. (2008). Acculturative dissonance, ethnic identity, and youth violence. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 14(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1037/1099-9809.14.1.1
Li, L., Sriruksa, A., & Yamcharoen, N. (2024). Cultural identity of ethnic Chinese youth in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 22(2), 18095-18103. https://doi.org/10.57239/pjlss-2024-22.2.001322
Matsunaga, M., Hecht, M. L., Elek, E., & Ndiaye, K. (2010). Ethnic identity development and acculturation: A longitudinal analysis of Mexican-heritage youth in the Southwest United States. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 41(3), 410–427. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022109359689
Ngaruiya, A. K., Gimode, A. E., & Otieno, I. O. (2025). The challenge of regime-based ethnic exclusion to nation building in the Daniel Moi presidency in Kenya, 1978–2003. American Journal of Law and Political Science, 4(2), 8–21. https://doi.org/10.58425/ajlps.v4i2.409
Qanbaribarzeyan, A. Zahirinia, M. (2023). Ethnic identity in Iranian society, convergence or divergence (Systematic review of quantitative studies from 2001 to 2023). Social Problems of Iran. 14(2), 227-252. https://doi.org/10.61186/jspi.14.2.227 (In Persian)
Pabon Gautier, M. C. (2016). Ethnic identity and Latino youth: The current state of the research. Adolescent Research Review, 1(3), 329–340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-016-0034-z
Phinney, J. (1990). Ethnic identity in adolescents and adults: Review of research. Psychological Bulletin, 108(3), 499–514.
Posner, D. (2005). Institutions and ethnic politics in Africa. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Rafie Jirdehi, A, & Habibzadeh Khotbehsara, R. (2012). A Study On Influential Factors On Collective Identity Of Guilaki Citizens. Journal Of Studies Of Socio-Cultural Development, 1(2), 100-129.  http://journals.sabz.ac.ir/scds/article-1-32-fa.html (In Persian)
Rosca, T. (2025). Configurations of ethnic identity facets. Scientific Board: Journal of Romanian Literary Studies, 4(1), 884–868.
Sabatier, C. (2008). Ethnic and national identity among second-generation immigrant adolescents in France: the role of social context and family. Journal of Adolescence, 31(2), 185–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2007.08.001
Schweigman, K., Soto, C., Wright, S., & Unger, J. (2011). The relevance of cultural activities in ethnic identity among California Native American youth. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 43(4), 343–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2011.629155
Shildkroud, E. (1978). People of the Zongo: The transformation of ethnic identities in Ghana. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Skrobanek, J. (2009). Perceived discrimination, ethnic identity and the (re-) ethnicisation of youth with a Turkish ethnic background in Germany. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 35(4), 535–554. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691830902765020
Smith, A. D. (1988). The ethnic origin of nations. Oxford: Blackwell.
Tajfel, H., & Fraser, C. (Eds.). (1978). Introducing social psychology. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In S. Worchel & W. G. Austin (Eds.), Chicago: Nelson-Hall.
Umana-Taylor, A. J., Zeiders, K. H., & Updegraff, K. A. (2013). Family ethnic socialization and ethnic identity: A family-driven, youth-driven, or reciprocal process? Journal of Family Psychology, 27(1), 137–146. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031105
Weinreich, P. (1989). A case study approach to the analysis of identity structure. University of Bristol, SSRC Research Unit on Ethnic Relations.
White, C. R., O’Brien, K., Jackson, L. J., Havalchak, A., Phillips, C. M., Thomas, P., & Cabrera, J. (2008). Ethnic identity development among adolescents in foster care. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 25(6), 497–515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-008-0140-2
Zafarabdollahzadeh, F., Rasouli, M. and Shiri, T. (2022). The Role of Social Media in the Future of Iranian Ethnic Identities. Two Quarterly Journal of Contemporary Sociological Research, 10(19), 321-346. https://doi.org/10.22084/CSR.2022.25099.2021 (In Persian)
Zapolski, T. C. B., Fisher, S., Banks, D. E., Hensel, D. J., & Barnes-Najor, J. (2017). Examining the protective effect of ethnic identity on drug attitudes and use among a diverse youth population. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 46(8(

  • Receive Date 26 October 2025
  • Revise Date 28 July 2026
  • Accept Date 28 July 2026