Iranians in Japan under the current economic recession

Focusing on class of origin, life chances and strategies

Abstract

This article is based on the data of a survey of Iranians currently living and working in Japan. Using Portes' theoretical framework, the author provides an analysis and discussion of several aspects relating to them in view of their strategies for survival and future life chances. The conclusions presented are that; 1) The group of Iranians living in Japan are composed of differing classes of origin and that there is a significant correlation between class of origin and purpose of coming to Japan; 2) The major factors that affects their working conditons are the point in time in the economic cycle they entered the labor market and the extent of their own social networks; 3) They see the Japanese society through the frames of reference that have been produced in view of their expected life chances; 4) Despite the persistence of the economic recession, some Iranians are gradually becoming permanent residents.