CHIEKO HIROTA1; 1 JSPS（Hokkaido University, SRC）, Japan
Discussion
This presentation elucidates the mechanisms forming boundaries between groups within Kazakh society by tracing the evolution of handicraft culture. Drawing on the history of handicraft culture revival in post-democratization Kazakhstan, analysis of works by Kazakh immigrant artists, and interview findings, it identifies the social and psychological factors generating perceptions of the Other that lead to collective boundary formation. The establishment of borders in 20th-century led to the geographical fragmentation of Kazakhs and disparities in cultural inheritance. After democratization, many overseas Kazakhs migrated to Kazakhstan under repatriation incentive policies. But, frequent changes in state policy and unequal resource distribution intensified prejudice against immigrants among citizens. Some immigrants successfully reconstructed traditional handicraft techniques cultivated in their places of origin within a modern context, aligning them with the expectations of Kazakhstani society. The cultural contributions of immigrants fostered a respectful view of them, promoting social integration. Conversely, the communities in their countries of origin reinforced their perception of immigrants as “others” from the perspective of cultural authenticity.
