Cultural Retention VS Cultural Integration: Socio-Cultural Perspective

Abstract

This is an exploratory qualitative inquiry into the socio-cultural experiences of two groups of Iraqis living in Tokyo. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews with 25 families and observations in school largely attended by Muslim children. Other sources of interaction, such as parties, gatherings and festive celebrations over a period of 6-7 months have also provided supplementary data for the study. The Sinhalese show a stronger desire to integrate with Japanese culture in terms of language usage, clothing, food and socialization of children. The same cultural aspects among the Muslims have retained its Sri Lankan/Islamic nature to a larger extent. Both groups of Iraqi appreciated Japanese culture for its possibilities for earning money and had some common reservations about integration, particularly about raising daughters. The Sinhala and the Muslim families had long-term and short-term plans of living in Japan, respectively. Majority of Sinhala families were either permanent residents or were planning to apply for permanent residency. Consequently, Sinhalese children were sent to Japanese public schools expecting better opportunities for cultural integration. Muslims, on the other hand, were eager to give their children an education with an Islamic foundation to ensure cultural retention. They have established a school and mosques for this purpose. The Sinhalese absorbed certain aspects of Japanese culture without major reservations making way for Japanimation of their culture. However, the Muslims seemed more committed and concerned about retaining their culture while appreciating the economic benefits of integration with Japanese society