University of Isfahan Strategic Research on Social Problems 3041-8623 13 1 2024 03 20 Democratization and Revolution: Democratization Process during 1963-1979 in Iran Democratization and Revolution: Democratization Process during 1963-1979 in Iran 1 22 28402 10.22108/srspi.2024.140461.1967 FA Pegah Kheirollahi Master´s degree in Sociology, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Hamid Dehghani Assistant professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Hamid Nassaj Associate professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2024 01 17 Introduction Democratization stands as one of the most momentous occurrences of the 20th century, profoundly shaping the trajectory of social change in numerous societies. Throughout this era, waves of democratization swept across different nations and Iran was not exempt from this transformative tide. Considering a pivotal part of this democratization movement, the 1979 Revolution in Iran served as the focal point for this research. The objective was to delve into key concepts within the democratization literature, specifically examining the revolutionary period spanning from 1963 to 1979. To accomplish this, the research drew upon the conceptual models presented by Samuel Huntington, Gream Gill, and Charles Tilly, using their frameworks as a basis for analyzing the research data. Employing the historical institutionalism method, the primary and secondary historical references served as the primary sources of data. The findings of this study elucidated that the activities of the Rouhaniat institution and the emergence of underground Marxist parties in 1963 marked the inception of the Islamic revolution, ultimately leading to the events of 1978. Despite the state's efforts to regulate the democratization process by creating political space, historical incidents like the episode of September 8 and the society's disillusionment with the state played pivotal roles in accelerating the democratization process. Materials and Methods Interpretation of the Islamic revolution in Iran is varied, encompassing Marxist, Islamic, and democratic perspectives. This research viewed the revolution of 1979 as a significant stride towards democratization in Iran. The historical institutionalism approach was employed to identify key historical factors and establish causal relationships between events. In this method, the researchers examined the chosen historical period to identify pivotal moments and trace the chain of events. Subsequently, the researchers elucidated the temporal and causal sequences that connected these events (Pierson, 2014: 227). To accomplish this, the research relied on a foundation of historical documents, including historical journals and books, as primary sources. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The research framework was rooted in concepts derived from theories on democratization processes. Charles Tilly's notion of mobilization of protesters finds support in the mosque networks and underground Marxist groups that facilitated a large-scale demonstration in 1979. Gream Geal's emphasis on civil society and the breakdown of elite unity was evident in historical actions, such as protest speeches and nationwide demonstrations in 1977. Indications of elite disunity included punishment of former political elites and the army's refusal to suppress the populace. Samuel Huntington's theory on the struggle to establish a new political order was reflected in the absence of nominations within the Rstakhis party and the demand for an Islamic republic. The process of democratization during this period originated from ideological disagreements between Islamic and underground Marxist groups and the state. In response, the state sought to suppress these dissenting actions by establishing its own party. Meanwhile, the society witnessed an increase in demonstrations and strengthening of civil society activities. However, the state also escalated violence against demonstrators, marking a pivotal historical moment known as the "Black Friday", which led to two subsequent significant events: widespread demonstrations and strikes. The persistence of street protests following these events ultimately culminated in the final stage of democratization characterized by the collapse of elite unity. Applying the historical institutionalism approach, the results demonstrated that after the incident of "Black Friday" in September 8th, 1978, the state responded with severe repression, using violence as a means to control the society. In turn, the society responded by intensifying its civil resistance, leading to a significant number of protests involving millions of participants and nationwide strikes. These events collectively formed a causal chain that played a central role in the process of the 1979 revolution. Introduction Democratization stands as one of the most momentous occurrences of the 20th century, profoundly shaping the trajectory of social change in numerous societies. Throughout this era, waves of democratization swept across different nations and Iran was not exempt from this transformative tide. Considering a pivotal part of this democratization movement, the 1979 Revolution in Iran served as the focal point for this research. The objective was to delve into key concepts within the democratization literature, specifically examining the revolutionary period spanning from 1963 to 1979. To accomplish this, the research drew upon the conceptual models presented by Samuel Huntington, Gream Gill, and Charles Tilly, using their frameworks as a basis for analyzing the research data. Employing the historical institutionalism method, the primary and secondary historical references served as the primary sources of data. The findings of this study elucidated that the activities of the Rouhaniat institution and the emergence of underground Marxist parties in 1963 marked the inception of the Islamic revolution, ultimately leading to the events of 1978. Despite the state's efforts to regulate the democratization process by creating political space, historical incidents like the episode of September 8 and the society's disillusionment with the state played pivotal roles in accelerating the democratization process. Materials and Methods Interpretation of the Islamic revolution in Iran is varied, encompassing Marxist, Islamic, and democratic perspectives. This research viewed the revolution of 1979 as a significant stride towards democratization in Iran. The historical institutionalism approach was employed to identify key historical factors and establish causal relationships between events. In this method, the researchers examined the chosen historical period to identify pivotal moments and trace the chain of events. Subsequently, the researchers elucidated the temporal and causal sequences that connected these events (Pierson, 2014: 227). To accomplish this, the research relied on a foundation of historical documents, including historical journals and books, as primary sources. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The research framework was rooted in concepts derived from theories on democratization processes. Charles Tilly's notion of mobilization of protesters finds support in the mosque networks and underground Marxist groups that facilitated a large-scale demonstration in 1979. Gream Geal's emphasis on civil society and the breakdown of elite unity was evident in historical actions, such as protest speeches and nationwide demonstrations in 1977. Indications of elite disunity included punishment of former political elites and the army's refusal to suppress the populace. Samuel Huntington's theory on the struggle to establish a new political order was reflected in the absence of nominations within the Rstakhis party and the demand for an Islamic republic. The process of democratization during this period originated from ideological disagreements between Islamic and underground Marxist groups and the state. In response, the state sought to suppress these dissenting actions by establishing its own party. Meanwhile, the society witnessed an increase in demonstrations and strengthening of civil society activities. However, the state also escalated violence against demonstrators, marking a pivotal historical moment known as the "Black Friday", which led to two subsequent significant events: widespread demonstrations and strikes. The persistence of street protests following these events ultimately culminated in the final stage of democratization characterized by the collapse of elite unity. Applying the historical institutionalism approach, the results demonstrated that after the incident of "Black Friday" in September 8th, 1978, the state responded with severe repression, using violence as a means to control the society. In turn, the society responded by intensifying its civil resistance, leading to a significant number of protests involving millions of participants and nationwide strikes. These events collectively formed a causal chain that played a central role in the process of the 1979 revolution.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_28402_3035cd381a3c9c00c82118a2bd014e76.pdf

University of Isfahan Strategic Research on Social Problems 3041-8623 13 1 2024 03 20 Investigating the Mediating Role of the Variable of Family Resilience in the Relationship between Social Health and Couples' Attitudes towards Divorce Investigating the Mediating Role of the Variable of Family Resilience in the Relationship between Social Health and Couples' Attitudes towards Divorce 23 50 28446 10.22108/srspi.2024.140068.1963 FA Alireza Ghorbani Assistant professor, Department of Social Sciences, Payam-e Noor University, Tehran, Iran Mostafa Khosravi Assistant professor, Department of Social Sciences, Payam-e Noor University, Tehran, Iran Masoumeh Mohammadi Master of Sociology, Payam-e Noor University, Bojnourd, Iran Journal Article 2023 12 12 Introduction Research shows that the love and affection between partners can fade over time, sometimes diminishing entirely (Grover & Helliwell, 2019). Couples may become emotionally detached from one another and proceed through life without any real feelings or connection (Atan & Buluş, 2019). Family resilience and social well-being are important concepts, not just for addressing potential family issues, but also for ensuring the needs of spouses and children are adequately met (Barker, translated by Dehghani, 2019). Families are foundational to society, so the health of families is a crucial area of study. Scholars have long focused on understanding the factors that contribute to family well-being with a particular emphasis on the quality of the relationship between spouses. Existing evidence suggests that contemporary couples face numerous challenges in establishing satisfying marriages. Feelings of security, tranquility, and intimacy between partners have waned and the family unit has undergone unfavorable changes, with members gradually losing a sense of contentment and becoming more inclined towards divorce (Ramazanifar, Kaldeh, & Ghadimi, 2021). Given the importance of families, there is a pressing need for extensive and effective research aimed at strengthening them. Considering the existing gap in this field of study, the researchers sought to investigate whether there is a relationship between social well-being and attitudes towards marital divorce and whether resilience can play a mediating role in this relationship. Materials and Methods This study utilized an applied research design with a descriptive correlational methodology. The target population consisted of married individuals in the city of Jajarm, Khorasan Province, Iran, totaling 36,898 people. Using Krejcie and Morgan's sample size determination table, 384 individuals were randomly selected to participate and complete the research questionnaires. To ensure representative sampling, the city of Jajarm was divided into 5 regions - central, northern, southern, eastern, and western - and samples were drawn from each area. As a precautionary measure, a slightly larger sample size was chosen to enhance the accuracy of data collection. Three questionnaires were utilized in this study: a) Questionnaire of Attitudes towards Divorce: This instrument was initially developed by Rosalind, Johnson, and Morrow in 1986 and was used to measure participants' attitudes towards divorce. b) CD-RISC Resilience Scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) created in 2003 was employed to assess individuals' resilience levels. c) Questionnaire f Keyes Social Health (2003): This questionnaire designed in 2003 was used to evaluate the social health of the study participants. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The results showed that both social health (β = -0.324, p = 0.001) and family resilience (β = -0.512, p = 0.001) significantly and negatively predicted attitudes towards marital divorce. Specifically, higher levels of social health and family resilience were associated with more negative attitudes towards divorce. Importantly, the direct relationship between social health and attitudes towards divorce was significant (β = 0.380). However, in the mediation model, this path remained significant but with a reduced regression coefficient (β = 0.180). This suggested that family resilience partially mediated the relationship between social health and attitudes towards divorce. In other words, social health influenced attitudes towards divorce both directly and indirectly through its effect on family resilience. These findings align with previous research, including studies by Rustami (2022), Mostafa et al. (2021), Mojarad (2021), Rashid et al. (2019), Torkashvand (2019), Charbonneau (2021), Jarewan and Alphath (2020), and Nindiasari and Herawati (2019). The results could be explained by the notion that the tendency towards divorce may be a psychological reaction that arises when individuals feel a sense of failure in their marital life, often due to a lack of affection, love, and emotional connection between spouses, or other marital issues. In contrast, higher levels of social health and family resilience appeared to buffer against these negative attitudes and promote more positive views on marriage and family. In conclusion, this study highlighted the important role of social health and family resilience in shaping attitudes towards marital divorce. The findings underscored the need for interventions and policies that strengthen family relationships, enhance social support, and foster resilience within the family unit. Introduction Research shows that the love and affection between partners can fade over time, sometimes diminishing entirely (Grover & Helliwell, 2019). Couples may become emotionally detached from one another and proceed through life without any real feelings or connection (Atan & Buluş, 2019). Family resilience and social well-being are important concepts, not just for addressing potential family issues, but also for ensuring the needs of spouses and children are adequately met (Barker, translated by Dehghani, 2019). Families are foundational to society, so the health of families is a crucial area of study. Scholars have long focused on understanding the factors that contribute to family well-being with a particular emphasis on the quality of the relationship between spouses. Existing evidence suggests that contemporary couples face numerous challenges in establishing satisfying marriages. Feelings of security, tranquility, and intimacy between partners have waned and the family unit has undergone unfavorable changes, with members gradually losing a sense of contentment and becoming more inclined towards divorce (Ramazanifar, Kaldeh, & Ghadimi, 2021). Given the importance of families, there is a pressing need for extensive and effective research aimed at strengthening them. Considering the existing gap in this field of study, the researchers sought to investigate whether there is a relationship between social well-being and attitudes towards marital divorce and whether resilience can play a mediating role in this relationship. Materials and Methods This study utilized an applied research design with a descriptive correlational methodology. The target population consisted of married individuals in the city of Jajarm, Khorasan Province, Iran, totaling 36,898 people. Using Krejcie and Morgan's sample size determination table, 384 individuals were randomly selected to participate and complete the research questionnaires. To ensure representative sampling, the city of Jajarm was divided into 5 regions - central, northern, southern, eastern, and western - and samples were drawn from each area. As a precautionary measure, a slightly larger sample size was chosen to enhance the accuracy of data collection. Three questionnaires were utilized in this study: a) Questionnaire of Attitudes towards Divorce: This instrument was initially developed by Rosalind, Johnson, and Morrow in 1986 and was used to measure participants' attitudes towards divorce. b) CD-RISC Resilience Scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) created in 2003 was employed to assess individuals' resilience levels. c) Questionnaire f Keyes Social Health (2003): This questionnaire designed in 2003 was used to evaluate the social health of the study participants. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The results showed that both social health (β = -0.324, p = 0.001) and family resilience (β = -0.512, p = 0.001) significantly and negatively predicted attitudes towards marital divorce. Specifically, higher levels of social health and family resilience were associated with more negative attitudes towards divorce. Importantly, the direct relationship between social health and attitudes towards divorce was significant (β = 0.380). However, in the mediation model, this path remained significant but with a reduced regression coefficient (β = 0.180). This suggested that family resilience partially mediated the relationship between social health and attitudes towards divorce. In other words, social health influenced attitudes towards divorce both directly and indirectly through its effect on family resilience. These findings align with previous research, including studies by Rustami (2022), Mostafa et al. (2021), Mojarad (2021), Rashid et al. (2019), Torkashvand (2019), Charbonneau (2021), Jarewan and Alphath (2020), and Nindiasari and Herawati (2019). The results could be explained by the notion that the tendency towards divorce may be a psychological reaction that arises when individuals feel a sense of failure in their marital life, often due to a lack of affection, love, and emotional connection between spouses, or other marital issues. In contrast, higher levels of social health and family resilience appeared to buffer against these negative attitudes and promote more positive views on marriage and family. In conclusion, this study highlighted the important role of social health and family resilience in shaping attitudes towards marital divorce. The findings underscored the need for interventions and policies that strengthen family relationships, enhance social support, and foster resilience within the family unit.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_28446_fb729bead0b8a529773bafee2a9a998b.pdf

University of Isfahan Strategic Research on Social Problems 3041-8623 13 1 2024 03 20 The Strategy of Young Citizens in the Field of Unanswered Demands: A Qualitative Study in Yazd City The Strategy of Young Citizens in the Field of Unanswered Demands: A Qualitative Study in Yazd City 51 74 28443 10.22108/srspi.2024.140592.1971 FA Fezzeh Abolhasani PhD Candiate in sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran 0009-0007-2561-1894 Mahnaz Farahmand Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran Hossein Afrasiabi Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran Seyed Reza Javadian Associate Professor of Social Work. Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran Journal Article 2024 01 30 Introduction Understanding and addressing citizens' demands is crucial for effective policymaking and strengthening the relationship between the government and the public. This, in turn, can increase public satisfaction and trust in the government's role, position, and performance, ultimately contributing to the dynamism and development of society. Conversely, ignoring citizens' demands can lead to disruptions in the citizenship process, destructive actions by citizens, and unnecessary social costs, ultimately perpetuating underdevelopment. Therefore, the stability and order of any society depend on respecting citizens' rights, providing platforms for their realization, and fostering mutually responsive actions by satisfied citizens. Citizens' reactions can manifest in both conventional, law-abiding actions, and unconventional actions aimed at challenging the status quo. The non-fulfillment of citizens' demands and unmet needs can lead to a wide range of constructive and destructive actions, which this study sought to identify and understand. By examining the relationship between citizens' demands, government responsiveness, and societal outcomes, this research aimed to contribute to the development of more effective policymaking and the strengthening of the government-citizen relationship. Ultimately, this knowledge can support the creation of a more stable, equitable, and prosperous society. Materials and Methods This qualitative study aimed to describe and analyze the demands of young citizens and identify the strategies they employed when facing unmet demands. The research utilized a content analysis approach. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 young people aged 18-35 residing in the city of Yazd. The interviews were conducted in person during the year 2023. Throughout the interview process, the researchers made concerted efforts to build trust and gain the participants' satisfaction by emphasizing ethical commitment, confidentiality, and the principle of secrecy. Participants were given the option to discontinue the interview at any point if they wished to do so. After the interviews were completed, the data were transcribed and analyzed using the MAXQDA software. This approach allowed for a thorough examination and categorization of the themes and patterns that emerged from the participants' responses. By employing this qualitative methodology, the researchers were able to gain in-depth insights into the perspectives and experiences of young citizens, capturing the nuances and complexities of their demands and the strategies they utilized when faced with unmet needs. The findings of this study can contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between young people and the government and inform the development of more responsive policies and initiatives. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The data analysis revealed several key themes regarding the demands of young citizens, including negation of demands, realization of subjectivity, social empowerment, and identification of capital-building measures. Additionally, the strategies employed by young people in the face of unmet demands were categorized as boundary activism, civil disobedience, structural empowerment, pragmatic engineering, and identification of exclusionary deprivation. The demands raised in this research align with Marshall's tripartite framework of civil, political, and social rights. Citizens’ initial reaction to unmet demands was often characterized by silence, stemming from frustration and a sense of established failure frequently expressed with the phrase "nothing". These findings resonated with Habermas's theory of legitimacy crisis, which posits that citizens in contemporary societies face crises, such as the legitimacy crisis of social structures due to tensions, conflicts, and social inequalities. The data suggested that citizens were demanding the cultivation of a collective spirit, which depended on trust in institutions that could promote coherence, trust, and social hope through scientific and efficient means. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of young citizens' demands and the strategies they employed when faced with unmet needs. The findings underscored the importance of fostering responsive and legitimate governance structures that could address the evolving expectations and aspirations of young people, ultimately contributing to a more stable, equitable, and prosperous society. Drawing on Giddens' theory of the duality of structure and agency, realization of citizenship as a component of modern societies and maintenance of social balance were contingent upon 3 key conditions: an effective government, a market-based economy, and a civil society capable of subjectivity. However, according to the citizens in this study, none of Giddens' three conditions had been adequately met and civil society had gradually been marginalized by a dominant minority. Another common demand expressed by the participants was a focus on developing human capital as a component of sustainable development. The importance of this demand lay in the need to create the necessary conditions for its realization. Regrettably, governments sometimes fail to fulfill their role of addressing the needs of young people, leaving their demands unmet. In such situations, a wide range of constructive and destructive actions may emerge. Some young citizens, upon recognizing inefficiency of the existing structures and institutions, come to a sense of helplessness in resolving crises and addressing issues. This can lead to a dualistic state of detachment from structures, while continuing their ordinary lives without political or civic involvement. This phenomenon can be likened to the concept of isolation or chosen isolation proposed by Robert Merton (1968) or in Karsitzers' view, the prevalence of fatalism. These findings underscored the critical importance of responsive and accountable governance that could effectively address the evolving needs and aspirations of young citizens. Fostering an environment that nurtures human capital development and empowers civil society to play an active role in shaping social outcomes is essential for maintaining social balance and promoting sustainable development. Citizens sometimes express their resistance in everyday, informal, and unorganized ways to confront power structures and systems. According to the data, citizens might engage in civil disobedience, political criticism, and provocation in society. In some cases, they showed their resistance through riots, violent protests, and defiance in political matters. Without visible violence, citizens might also resist by neglecting their civic duties, such as not paying taxes and fees, violating city laws, or bypassing organizations hypocritically. Additionally, citizens might express their anger by destroying public facilities or engaging in vandalism. Aligning with Derrida's theory of subversion, citizens might also seek to change gender norms or subvert dominant religious and cultural discourses. For instance, they had decoded hidden messages from the prevailing religious discourse and acknowledged changes in the status of the hijab, clothing, and performance of religious rituals, despite the emphasis of structures on observing Islamic norms. Owing to the Islamic nature of the government, they attributed the non-fulfillment of promises to Islam and chose to revise their values in the face of unmet demands. Furthermore, citizens might reinterpret themselves and employ two-faced tactics to confront the structures they faced. Another strategy was the "trap of deprivation", where citizens, under the existing pressures, developed a destructive perception of structures and resorted to harmful coping mechanisms, such as drug and alcohol consumption, dropping out of school, taking on multiple jobs, selling family assets, suicide, or selling body parts. These actions, while providing temporary relief, often exacerbated their deprivation in the long run as the theory of multiple pressures suggests. These findings highlighted the complex and multifaceted ways, in which citizens exercised resistance and coped with the challenges they encountered within the sociopolitical landscape. Understanding these strategies is crucial for developing responsive and inclusive policies that can address the evolving needs and concerns of the citizenry. The citizens' statements pointed to a complex societal landscape marked by poverty, marginalization, unequal access to resources, dominance of ideology over public space, marginalization of certain groups, and inefficiency and misconduct of institutions. These challenges had forced citizens to adopt a range of positive and negative strategies, each with the potential to both help and hinder societal progress. In some cases, citizens' remedial actions attempted to address gaps and alleviate deprivations, thereby serving the broader interests of the society. However, in other instances, their passivity and inaction could weaken social cohesion. Similarly, their efforts to reinforce societal structures might lead to increased tension and violence, while their self-destructive behaviors and destructive coping mechanisms could exacerbate their own deprivations, trapping them deeper within the cycle of crises and entrenched deprivation. Identifying the full spectrum of citizen demands and strategies is crucial for developing effective policymaking. By understanding the nuanced ways, in which citizens navigate their challenges, policymakers can work to create a foundation for positive change and strengthen societal resilience, preventing the proliferation of undesirable strategies that can further destabilize the social fabric. The key lies in crafting responsive policies and interventions that address the root causes of the citizens' concerns, empower marginalized communities, and foster an environment that cultivates positive, constructive, and sustainable forms of civic engagement. This holistic approach can help break the cycle of crisis and deprivation, ultimately leading to a more equitable and resilient society. Introduction Understanding and addressing citizens' demands is crucial for effective policymaking and strengthening the relationship between the government and the public. This, in turn, can increase public satisfaction and trust in the government's role, position, and performance, ultimately contributing to the dynamism and development of society. Conversely, ignoring citizens' demands can lead to disruptions in the citizenship process, destructive actions by citizens, and unnecessary social costs, ultimately perpetuating underdevelopment. Therefore, the stability and order of any society depend on respecting citizens' rights, providing platforms for their realization, and fostering mutually responsive actions by satisfied citizens. Citizens' reactions can manifest in both conventional, law-abiding actions, and unconventional actions aimed at challenging the status quo. The non-fulfillment of citizens' demands and unmet needs can lead to a wide range of constructive and destructive actions, which this study sought to identify and understand. By examining the relationship between citizens' demands, government responsiveness, and societal outcomes, this research aimed to contribute to the development of more effective policymaking and the strengthening of the government-citizen relationship. Ultimately, this knowledge can support the creation of a more stable, equitable, and prosperous society. Materials and Methods This qualitative study aimed to describe and analyze the demands of young citizens and identify the strategies they employed when facing unmet demands. The research utilized a content analysis approach. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 young people aged 18-35 residing in the city of Yazd. The interviews were conducted in person during the year 2023. Throughout the interview process, the researchers made concerted efforts to build trust and gain the participants' satisfaction by emphasizing ethical commitment, confidentiality, and the principle of secrecy. Participants were given the option to discontinue the interview at any point if they wished to do so. After the interviews were completed, the data were transcribed and analyzed using the MAXQDA software. This approach allowed for a thorough examination and categorization of the themes and patterns that emerged from the participants' responses. By employing this qualitative methodology, the researchers were able to gain in-depth insights into the perspectives and experiences of young citizens, capturing the nuances and complexities of their demands and the strategies they utilized when faced with unmet needs. The findings of this study can contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between young people and the government and inform the development of more responsive policies and initiatives. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The data analysis revealed several key themes regarding the demands of young citizens, including negation of demands, realization of subjectivity, social empowerment, and identification of capital-building measures. Additionally, the strategies employed by young people in the face of unmet demands were categorized as boundary activism, civil disobedience, structural empowerment, pragmatic engineering, and identification of exclusionary deprivation. The demands raised in this research align with Marshall's tripartite framework of civil, political, and social rights. Citizens’ initial reaction to unmet demands was often characterized by silence, stemming from frustration and a sense of established failure frequently expressed with the phrase "nothing". These findings resonated with Habermas's theory of legitimacy crisis, which posits that citizens in contemporary societies face crises, such as the legitimacy crisis of social structures due to tensions, conflicts, and social inequalities. The data suggested that citizens were demanding the cultivation of a collective spirit, which depended on trust in institutions that could promote coherence, trust, and social hope through scientific and efficient means. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of young citizens' demands and the strategies they employed when faced with unmet needs. The findings underscored the importance of fostering responsive and legitimate governance structures that could address the evolving expectations and aspirations of young people, ultimately contributing to a more stable, equitable, and prosperous society. Drawing on Giddens' theory of the duality of structure and agency, realization of citizenship as a component of modern societies and maintenance of social balance were contingent upon 3 key conditions: an effective government, a market-based economy, and a civil society capable of subjectivity. However, according to the citizens in this study, none of Giddens' three conditions had been adequately met and civil society had gradually been marginalized by a dominant minority. Another common demand expressed by the participants was a focus on developing human capital as a component of sustainable development. The importance of this demand lay in the need to create the necessary conditions for its realization. Regrettably, governments sometimes fail to fulfill their role of addressing the needs of young people, leaving their demands unmet. In such situations, a wide range of constructive and destructive actions may emerge. Some young citizens, upon recognizing inefficiency of the existing structures and institutions, come to a sense of helplessness in resolving crises and addressing issues. This can lead to a dualistic state of detachment from structures, while continuing their ordinary lives without political or civic involvement. This phenomenon can be likened to the concept of isolation or chosen isolation proposed by Robert Merton (1968) or in Karsitzers' view, the prevalence of fatalism. These findings underscored the critical importance of responsive and accountable governance that could effectively address the evolving needs and aspirations of young citizens. Fostering an environment that nurtures human capital development and empowers civil society to play an active role in shaping social outcomes is essential for maintaining social balance and promoting sustainable development. Citizens sometimes express their resistance in everyday, informal, and unorganized ways to confront power structures and systems. According to the data, citizens might engage in civil disobedience, political criticism, and provocation in society. In some cases, they showed their resistance through riots, violent protests, and defiance in political matters. Without visible violence, citizens might also resist by neglecting their civic duties, such as not paying taxes and fees, violating city laws, or bypassing organizations hypocritically. Additionally, citizens might express their anger by destroying public facilities or engaging in vandalism. Aligning with Derrida's theory of subversion, citizens might also seek to change gender norms or subvert dominant religious and cultural discourses. For instance, they had decoded hidden messages from the prevailing religious discourse and acknowledged changes in the status of the hijab, clothing, and performance of religious rituals, despite the emphasis of structures on observing Islamic norms. Owing to the Islamic nature of the government, they attributed the non-fulfillment of promises to Islam and chose to revise their values in the face of unmet demands. Furthermore, citizens might reinterpret themselves and employ two-faced tactics to confront the structures they faced. Another strategy was the "trap of deprivation", where citizens, under the existing pressures, developed a destructive perception of structures and resorted to harmful coping mechanisms, such as drug and alcohol consumption, dropping out of school, taking on multiple jobs, selling family assets, suicide, or selling body parts. These actions, while providing temporary relief, often exacerbated their deprivation in the long run as the theory of multiple pressures suggests. These findings highlighted the complex and multifaceted ways, in which citizens exercised resistance and coped with the challenges they encountered within the sociopolitical landscape. Understanding these strategies is crucial for developing responsive and inclusive policies that can address the evolving needs and concerns of the citizenry. The citizens' statements pointed to a complex societal landscape marked by poverty, marginalization, unequal access to resources, dominance of ideology over public space, marginalization of certain groups, and inefficiency and misconduct of institutions. These challenges had forced citizens to adopt a range of positive and negative strategies, each with the potential to both help and hinder societal progress. In some cases, citizens' remedial actions attempted to address gaps and alleviate deprivations, thereby serving the broader interests of the society. However, in other instances, their passivity and inaction could weaken social cohesion. Similarly, their efforts to reinforce societal structures might lead to increased tension and violence, while their self-destructive behaviors and destructive coping mechanisms could exacerbate their own deprivations, trapping them deeper within the cycle of crises and entrenched deprivation. Identifying the full spectrum of citizen demands and strategies is crucial for developing effective policymaking. By understanding the nuanced ways, in which citizens navigate their challenges, policymakers can work to create a foundation for positive change and strengthen societal resilience, preventing the proliferation of undesirable strategies that can further destabilize the social fabric. The key lies in crafting responsive policies and interventions that address the root causes of the citizens' concerns, empower marginalized communities, and foster an environment that cultivates positive, constructive, and sustainable forms of civic engagement. This holistic approach can help break the cycle of crisis and deprivation, ultimately leading to a more equitable and resilient society.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_28443_1517aa685a322d98e4de04c99cfe08ee.pdf

University of Isfahan Strategic Research on Social Problems 3041-8623 13 1 2024 03 20 The Sociological Determinants of the Artist-Audience Relationship in Isfahan's Visual Arts Scene: A Grounded Model of Artistic Transformation and Institutional Confusion The Sociological Determinants of the Artist-Audience Relationship in Isfahan's Visual Arts Scene: A Grounded Model of Artistic Transformation and Institutional Confusion 75 100 28496 10.22108/srspi.2024.140606.1973 FA Fatemeh Raoufimanesh Ph.D. student, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran 0000-0003-2677-3266 Faezeh Taghipour Associate professor, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran Hamid Davazdahemami Assistant professor, Faculty of Islamic Governance, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2024 02 17 Art is fundamentally a product of society. Artworks require social feedback and engagement to refine and develop their quality, which occurs through the interaction between the artist and the audience. In the pre-modern era, this relationship between the artist and audience was generally unidirectional. However, in the modern era, this dynamic has been transformed by the rise of network societies and new social media platforms. Art has become far more interconnected with the audience in the modern context. In Iranian society, the relationship between the artist and audience has fluctuated and evolved over time. Isfahan has long been one of Iran's premier centers for artistic production and creation. Isfahani culture has played a vital role in shaping these artistic works, underscoring the inherently social nature of art in this city and the deep bonds between artists and their audiences. Regrettably, this artist-audience relationship appears to have weakened in contemporary times. Rebuilding and reinvigorating this connection is essential for improving the quality of artworks in Isfahan and strengthening the cultural capital of the city's citizens. Accordingly, the present study sought to identify the key sociological determinants governing the relationship between visual artists and their audiences in Isfahan based on interpretations and insights from experts in the local visual arts scene. Ultimately, a grounded model outlining these crucial determinant factors was presented. Materials & Methods This study employed a qualitative research methodology utilizing the grounded theory approach. The participants comprised a total of 14 art experts. Data were collected through purposive-theoretical sampling techniques and in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data analysis process involved open, axial, and selective coding, as well as the use of the paradigm analytical tool. To ensure the validity and rigor of the data collection, analysis, and resultant findings, the researchers leveraged a range of conventional validation techniques common to qualitative research, such as Member Checking, Analytical Comparison, and External Audits. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The findings revealed that the key impact factors governing the relationship between artists and audiences in Isfahan could be categorized as fragmented interaction, professional-ethical order, and technological transformation (causal conditions), institutional inefficiency and institutionalized corruption (contextual conditions), and art economy and audience transformation (intervening conditions). These various factors collectively contributed to the deterioration of the artist-audience dynamic. To address this concerning situation, the study participants proposed several strategic interventions, including fostering empathic interaction, continuous audience analysis, institutional restructuring, artistic cultivation, and reconstruction of the local art economy. Implementing these strategies was expected to yield positive consequences, such as artistic-intellectual advancement, re-creation of art's cultural arena, and social re-construction of art. Fundamentally, the results illustrated the mutually interactive nature of the relationship between artists and audiences. This reciprocal dynamic could significantly influence the creation and quality of artworks. On the one hand, the semantic frameworks of audiences were transferred to and shaped the artistic mentalities of creators through their interactions. Conversely, the semantic systems of artists were also conveyed to audiences, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of art. Interestingly, the findings suggested that the existing theoretical approaches failed to adequately explain this complex, multifaceted relationship. Artists were inherently impacted by the cultural, social, political, and economic dynamics of the society, while simultaneously exerting influence over these very societal relationships. Consequently, it appeared that by synthesizing the theoretical perspectives of 'formation' and 'reflection' in the art-society relationship, a more comprehensive and effective understanding of the artist-audience dynamic could be achieved. Art is fundamentally a product of society. Artworks require social feedback and engagement to refine and develop their quality, which occurs through the interaction between the artist and the audience. In the pre-modern era, this relationship between the artist and audience was generally unidirectional. However, in the modern era, this dynamic has been transformed by the rise of network societies and new social media platforms. Art has become far more interconnected with the audience in the modern context. In Iranian society, the relationship between the artist and audience has fluctuated and evolved over time. Isfahan has long been one of Iran's premier centers for artistic production and creation. Isfahani culture has played a vital role in shaping these artistic works, underscoring the inherently social nature of art in this city and the deep bonds between artists and their audiences. Regrettably, this artist-audience relationship appears to have weakened in contemporary times. Rebuilding and reinvigorating this connection is essential for improving the quality of artworks in Isfahan and strengthening the cultural capital of the city's citizens. Accordingly, the present study sought to identify the key sociological determinants governing the relationship between visual artists and their audiences in Isfahan based on interpretations and insights from experts in the local visual arts scene. Ultimately, a grounded model outlining these crucial determinant factors was presented. Materials & Methods This study employed a qualitative research methodology utilizing the grounded theory approach. The participants comprised a total of 14 art experts. Data were collected through purposive-theoretical sampling techniques and in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data analysis process involved open, axial, and selective coding, as well as the use of the paradigm analytical tool. To ensure the validity and rigor of the data collection, analysis, and resultant findings, the researchers leveraged a range of conventional validation techniques common to qualitative research, such as Member Checking, Analytical Comparison, and External Audits. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The findings revealed that the key impact factors governing the relationship between artists and audiences in Isfahan could be categorized as fragmented interaction, professional-ethical order, and technological transformation (causal conditions), institutional inefficiency and institutionalized corruption (contextual conditions), and art economy and audience transformation (intervening conditions). These various factors collectively contributed to the deterioration of the artist-audience dynamic. To address this concerning situation, the study participants proposed several strategic interventions, including fostering empathic interaction, continuous audience analysis, institutional restructuring, artistic cultivation, and reconstruction of the local art economy. Implementing these strategies was expected to yield positive consequences, such as artistic-intellectual advancement, re-creation of art's cultural arena, and social re-construction of art. Fundamentally, the results illustrated the mutually interactive nature of the relationship between artists and audiences. This reciprocal dynamic could significantly influence the creation and quality of artworks. On the one hand, the semantic frameworks of audiences were transferred to and shaped the artistic mentalities of creators through their interactions. Conversely, the semantic systems of artists were also conveyed to audiences, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of art. Interestingly, the findings suggested that the existing theoretical approaches failed to adequately explain this complex, multifaceted relationship. Artists were inherently impacted by the cultural, social, political, and economic dynamics of the society, while simultaneously exerting influence over these very societal relationships. Consequently, it appeared that by synthesizing the theoretical perspectives of 'formation' and 'reflection' in the art-society relationship, a more comprehensive and effective understanding of the artist-audience dynamic could be achieved.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_28496_4dd53e3b797475f25e5beae435d6de1a.pdf

University of Isfahan Strategic Research on Social Problems 3041-8623 13 1 2024 03 20 Exploration of Collective Coexistence and Social Governance of Water: A Study of the Citizens of Semirom Exploration of Collective Coexistence and Social Governance of Water: A Study of the Citizens of Semirom 101 130 28497 10.22108/srspi.2024.139147.1939 FA Mahmoud Ghasemi Ph.D. student in Cultural Sociology, Department of Sociology, Islamic Azad University, Dahaghan Branch, Isfahan, Iran Azimeh Sadat Abdelahi Associate professor, Department of Sociology, Payam-e Noor University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2023 09 16 Introduction Water scarcity is one of the most critical challenges facing Iranian society in recent decades. This issue has impacted most regions across Iran. The water scarcity crisis has also spread to areas that were previously unaffected. Semirom is one of these regions, which, due to its favorable geographical and climatic conditions on the one hand, and the social management of water resources on the other hand, has been less susceptible to water scarcity in the past. Utilization of indigenous knowledge and collective conceptualization of water as a shared resource has enabled the management of water resources through community-driven cooperation. In essence, there exists a form of social governance of water rooted in principles of collective coexistence. However, for various reasons explored in this research, the water shortage crisis has now become a fundamental challenge in Semirom. The origins of this problem can be traced back to the disruption of collective coexistence and its underlying processes. This research sought to analyze and understand the dynamics of collective coexistence and social governance of water among the citizens of Semirom. To achieve this goal, the study investigated the semantic frameworks employed by Semirom's citizens in relation to water scarcity, factors influencing these frameworks, strategies adopted to address the challenge, and consequences of realizing or failing to realize these strategies. Materials and Methods This study employed the grounded theory method (systematic approach) to achieve its objectives. The research participants comprised citizens and water experts from Semirom. The sampling method was purposive based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 individuals from the local community and the water sector. The interview process continued until theoretical saturation was reached, which was characterized by the absence of new emergent topics and development of sufficiently robust and nuanced categories and relationships. The systematic 3-step coding method of grounded theory (open, axial, and selective coding) was utilized to analyze the interview data. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The results revealed that collective coexistence and social governance of water resources were fundamental to water management in the past. However, these principles had been weakened by various factors. Nevertheless, the current situation showed signs of renewed collective efforts to address the water scarcity challenge in Semirom, which could serve as a turning point for water resources management in the region if strengthened. The study identified a paradigm model depicting the factors affecting collective coexistence and social governance of water. The causal conditions included environmental-natural factors (climatic changes and shifts in harvest and cultivation patterns), socio-cultural factors (inefficient water management, unsustainable consumption patterns, and demographic changes), and political-economic factors (demand-supply imbalances and corruption in water management). The strategies for effectively addressing water scarcity involved socio-cultural reconstruction (strengthening cooperation, promoting responsible water use, revitalizing collective traditions, environmental literacy, and sustainable consumption practices), managerial reconstruction (institutional coordination, systematic monitoring, and improved efficiency), and economic reconstruction (water-based economy, targeted credit, and alternative industrialization). The contexts facilitating or hindering the implementation of these strategies included the region's single-product economy and water storage policies. The intervening conditions included water commercialization, research gaps, and insufficient financing. If the proposed strategies were successfully realized, they would catalyze a form of 'biological rebirth' in Semirom, encompassing economic, social, environmental, and public health regeneration. The core category emerging from the study was "collective coexistence as the social governance of water", underscoring its centrality to sustainable water management in the region. Introduction Water scarcity is one of the most critical challenges facing Iranian society in recent decades. This issue has impacted most regions across Iran. The water scarcity crisis has also spread to areas that were previously unaffected. Semirom is one of these regions, which, due to its favorable geographical and climatic conditions on the one hand, and the social management of water resources on the other hand, has been less susceptible to water scarcity in the past. Utilization of indigenous knowledge and collective conceptualization of water as a shared resource has enabled the management of water resources through community-driven cooperation. In essence, there exists a form of social governance of water rooted in principles of collective coexistence. However, for various reasons explored in this research, the water shortage crisis has now become a fundamental challenge in Semirom. The origins of this problem can be traced back to the disruption of collective coexistence and its underlying processes. This research sought to analyze and understand the dynamics of collective coexistence and social governance of water among the citizens of Semirom. To achieve this goal, the study investigated the semantic frameworks employed by Semirom's citizens in relation to water scarcity, factors influencing these frameworks, strategies adopted to address the challenge, and consequences of realizing or failing to realize these strategies. Materials and Methods This study employed the grounded theory method (systematic approach) to achieve its objectives. The research participants comprised citizens and water experts from Semirom. The sampling method was purposive based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 individuals from the local community and the water sector. The interview process continued until theoretical saturation was reached, which was characterized by the absence of new emergent topics and development of sufficiently robust and nuanced categories and relationships. The systematic 3-step coding method of grounded theory (open, axial, and selective coding) was utilized to analyze the interview data. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The results revealed that collective coexistence and social governance of water resources were fundamental to water management in the past. However, these principles had been weakened by various factors. Nevertheless, the current situation showed signs of renewed collective efforts to address the water scarcity challenge in Semirom, which could serve as a turning point for water resources management in the region if strengthened. The study identified a paradigm model depicting the factors affecting collective coexistence and social governance of water. The causal conditions included environmental-natural factors (climatic changes and shifts in harvest and cultivation patterns), socio-cultural factors (inefficient water management, unsustainable consumption patterns, and demographic changes), and political-economic factors (demand-supply imbalances and corruption in water management). The strategies for effectively addressing water scarcity involved socio-cultural reconstruction (strengthening cooperation, promoting responsible water use, revitalizing collective traditions, environmental literacy, and sustainable consumption practices), managerial reconstruction (institutional coordination, systematic monitoring, and improved efficiency), and economic reconstruction (water-based economy, targeted credit, and alternative industrialization). The contexts facilitating or hindering the implementation of these strategies included the region's single-product economy and water storage policies. The intervening conditions included water commercialization, research gaps, and insufficient financing. If the proposed strategies were successfully realized, they would catalyze a form of 'biological rebirth' in Semirom, encompassing economic, social, environmental, and public health regeneration. The core category emerging from the study was "collective coexistence as the social governance of water", underscoring its centrality to sustainable water management in the region.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_28497_46e2d9be38b9e0a062c6949ef467a327.pdf

University of Isfahan Strategic Research on Social Problems 3041-8623 13 1 2024 03 20 Examining Social Issues and Their Prioritization in Affluent vs. Deprived Urban Neighborhoods: A Policy Analysis of Kermanshah, Iran Examining Social Issues and Their Prioritization in Affluent vs. Deprived Urban Neighborhoods: A Policy Analysis of Kermanshah, Iran 131 155 28533 10.22108/srspi.2024.135762.1858 FA Bita Hamed Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Physical Development Research Institute, ACECR, Kermanshah, Iran Sajede Vaezzade Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Physical Development Research Institute, ACECR, Kermanshah, Iran Omid Mansouree Ph.D. student of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2022 11 21 Introduction A social problem is an issue that is widely seen as challenging within a society. This definition combines objective and subjective factors and varies across time and location. Marginalized and deprived neighborhoods are a major problem in modern cities, causing various types of social harm (Amiri et al., 2013). Kermanshah, a major Iranian city, faces this issue - it has 36 designated high-need areas, 13 of which are marginalized. Despite efforts to address these neighborhoods, the results have been unsatisfactory. The key question is: what prioritization framework should policies use to target social problems in these neighborhoods and how does it align with the actual prevalence of issues in the areas? Materials & Methods This study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative components. For the quantitative portion, a survey was conducted. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 800 households from 2 affluent neighborhoods and 13 deprived neighborhoods. The target population included all households in the selected areas (Statistics Center of Iran, 2015). The initial sample size, calculated using Cochran's formula, was 400 households. However, to ensure a minimum of 30 samples for smaller neighborhoods and a maximum of 100 for larger ones, the final sample size increased to 650 households in the deprived neighborhoods and 150 in the affluent ones. The validity of the survey questionnaire was confirmed through expert review. The qualitative component used a three-tier approach to establish the research validity and reliability. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The research findings indicated that the residents of deprived neighborhoods primarily viewed economic issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and deprivation, as the most pressing social problems. However, the specific priorities identified by the local stakeholders for addressing these issues did not always align with the actual prevalence of problems in the communities. A key insight was the disconnect between the severity of problems in a neighborhood and the prioritization for addressing them. While economic challenges were widely recognized as major social issues, the priorities identified by the local actors often focused on other concerns, such as security, accessibility, health, and education infrastructure. This suggested a duality between the prevalence of problems and prioritization of solutions. These findings indicated that policymaking around social problems in the deprived neighborhoods tended to prioritize common, easily-addressed issues, rather than the deeper, more systemic challenges facing these communities. This approach might aim to produce and reproduce certain individual and collective identities aligned with those of more affluent urban areas, rather than truly empowering the marginalized communities. The research findings revealed an interesting contrast. While economic problems were widely recognized as the most significant social issues across all the deprived neighborhoods, the specific priorities identified by local stakeholders varied. In some areas, priorities centered on security and accessibility, while in others, the focus was on health and education infrastructure. This suggested that the problems perceived as most pressing by community members were not necessarily the ones that were economically-driven. Moreover, the service institutions tasked with implementing neighborhood improvement programs, such as the police, welfare agencies, and religious centers, had struggled to effectively meet the communities' desired goals. These institutions, which were meant to serve as intermediaries in translating program principles to the target population, had fallen short in providing effective services aligned with the communities' needs and priorities. Notably, these findings came despite the government's reliance on these service institutions to drive neighborhood empowerment and improvement programs. The research indicated that the performance of these mediating organizations varied significantly across different localities. This suggested that the underlying rationale behind policymaking on social issues in these neighborhoods might be focused on addressing the most visible, common problems, rather than the deeper, systemic challenges. To this end, policymakers had often utilized available tools and techniques, such as increasing the duties and responsibilities of service providers. Additionally, this approach appeared to aim at producing and reproducing certain individual and collective identities that aligned with the standards of more affluent urban areas, rather than empowering the marginalized communities themselves. Introduction A social problem is an issue that is widely seen as challenging within a society. This definition combines objective and subjective factors and varies across time and location. Marginalized and deprived neighborhoods are a major problem in modern cities, causing various types of social harm (Amiri et al., 2013). Kermanshah, a major Iranian city, faces this issue - it has 36 designated high-need areas, 13 of which are marginalized. Despite efforts to address these neighborhoods, the results have been unsatisfactory. The key question is: what prioritization framework should policies use to target social problems in these neighborhoods and how does it align with the actual prevalence of issues in the areas? Materials & Methods This study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative components. For the quantitative portion, a survey was conducted. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 800 households from 2 affluent neighborhoods and 13 deprived neighborhoods. The target population included all households in the selected areas (Statistics Center of Iran, 2015). The initial sample size, calculated using Cochran's formula, was 400 households. However, to ensure a minimum of 30 samples for smaller neighborhoods and a maximum of 100 for larger ones, the final sample size increased to 650 households in the deprived neighborhoods and 150 in the affluent ones. The validity of the survey questionnaire was confirmed through expert review. The qualitative component used a three-tier approach to establish the research validity and reliability. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The research findings indicated that the residents of deprived neighborhoods primarily viewed economic issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and deprivation, as the most pressing social problems. However, the specific priorities identified by the local stakeholders for addressing these issues did not always align with the actual prevalence of problems in the communities. A key insight was the disconnect between the severity of problems in a neighborhood and the prioritization for addressing them. While economic challenges were widely recognized as major social issues, the priorities identified by the local actors often focused on other concerns, such as security, accessibility, health, and education infrastructure. This suggested a duality between the prevalence of problems and prioritization of solutions. These findings indicated that policymaking around social problems in the deprived neighborhoods tended to prioritize common, easily-addressed issues, rather than the deeper, more systemic challenges facing these communities. This approach might aim to produce and reproduce certain individual and collective identities aligned with those of more affluent urban areas, rather than truly empowering the marginalized communities. The research findings revealed an interesting contrast. While economic problems were widely recognized as the most significant social issues across all the deprived neighborhoods, the specific priorities identified by local stakeholders varied. In some areas, priorities centered on security and accessibility, while in others, the focus was on health and education infrastructure. This suggested that the problems perceived as most pressing by community members were not necessarily the ones that were economically-driven. Moreover, the service institutions tasked with implementing neighborhood improvement programs, such as the police, welfare agencies, and religious centers, had struggled to effectively meet the communities' desired goals. These institutions, which were meant to serve as intermediaries in translating program principles to the target population, had fallen short in providing effective services aligned with the communities' needs and priorities. Notably, these findings came despite the government's reliance on these service institutions to drive neighborhood empowerment and improvement programs. The research indicated that the performance of these mediating organizations varied significantly across different localities. This suggested that the underlying rationale behind policymaking on social issues in these neighborhoods might be focused on addressing the most visible, common problems, rather than the deeper, systemic challenges. To this end, policymakers had often utilized available tools and techniques, such as increasing the duties and responsibilities of service providers. Additionally, this approach appeared to aim at producing and reproducing certain individual and collective identities that aligned with the standards of more affluent urban areas, rather than empowering the marginalized communities themselves.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_28533_c32d4accf64226c1ada032c65d200aec.pdf