Anthropological Perspectives on Migration and Identity

Abstract

This study explores the anthropological dimensions of migration and identity through a mixed-methods approach that integrates ethnographic narratives with quantitative statistical analysis. Data were gathered from 500 respondents across three host regions, supplemented by in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. The results reveal a clear intergenerational decline in cultural participation and language retention, with younger cohorts exhibiting lower identity continuity scores than elders. Regression analyses identified globalization exposure, media consumption, and generational status as significant predictors of the Identity Continuity Index, while correlation tests confirmed strong negative associations between globalization intensity and indigenous language vitality. At the same time, qualitative insights highlighted resilience strategies such as hybrid cultural expressions, community-led revitalization initiatives, and transnational networks that sustain belonging across borders. Regional analysis indicated heterogeneous outcomes: communities with greater political autonomy and stronger cultural institutions demonstrated higher resilience against identity erosion. Visualizations, including line, bar, pie, scatter, and hybrid plots, further underscored the dual trajectory of migration as both a driver of cultural loss and a catalyst for innovative identity reconstruction. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that migration should not be reduced to a narrative of cultural decline but rather understood as a dynamic process that simultaneously challenges and reconstitutes identity. The study concludes that sustaining migrant identities requires policies that prioritize community agency, intercultural dialogue, and the embedding of indigenous epistemologies within educational and civic frameworks.