Studying the lived experience leading to migration or persistence of university students in Tehran

Document Type : researcher

Authors
Maryam HosseinYazdi 1
Mahdi kiani 2
1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran
2 Master's student in Anthropology
10.22034/scm.2025.508042.1853
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the relationship between spatial components and the decision to migrate or stay. This study attempts to analyze the meanings derived from the lived experience of students in urban spaces of Tehran in order to explain some of the meanings that lead to the decision to migrate or stay. This study was conducted using a phenomenological method. The findings of this study have identified components such as independence, a diverse cultural environment, nature, and opportunities for career and educational advancement as the urban capacities of Tehran in creating a sense of place belonging, and also describe challenges to social connections in this city. These findings can be presented within the conceptual framework of the anthropology of space and place. This branch of anthropology examines the role of space in shaping cultural meanings and also studies how to make places meaningful. Space and place are not only physical contexts, but also cultural and social media that carry meanings. As a result, the findings of this study reveal how the metropolitan characteristics of Tehran create various meanings, including a sense of independence and a diverse cultural environment that creates a sense of place belonging to this city. Also, how these same metropolitan characteristics become an obstacle to human communication and create a sense of loneliness.

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Society Culture Media
Volume 14, Issue 56
Autumn 2025
Pages 209-239

  • Receive Date 21 February 2025
  • Revise Date 06 June 2025
  • Accept Date 13 June 2025