Social Problems of Iran

Drivers and Constraints of Ethnic Activism (Case Study: Bakhtiari People in Dezful)

Authors

Ali Feizolahi 1
Behrooz Sepidnameh 1
Pourya Abyar 2

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Cultural Studies, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran

2 MA in Sociology, Department of Sociology and Cultural Studies, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran

https://doi.org/10.61186/jspi.15.2.193
Abstract
The problematization of ethnic activism, ethnic preferences, and prejudices has always been one of the issues discussed in Iran. Therefore This study attempts to identify the propellants and inhibitors of ethnic activism and discover its semantic implications. For this purpose, this research has been done by using of interpretive phenomenological method. Its target society is the Bakhtiari’s residents of Dezful city in Khuzestan province, who have lived experience of the studied phenomenon. The research sample included 18 people selected using the purposive sampling method based on the theoretical saturation criterion. Research data was collected using in-depth interview techniques and data analysis was done through coding and thematic analysis. The findings of the research include the propellants of ethnic activism such as political polarization, ethnic frequentism, convergence of cultural challenges, organizational ethnicism, feelings of ethnic discrimination, Physical spatial ethnocentrism, Instrumentalization of ethnicity and ethnic socialization and themes of cultural relations, acceptance of others, intertwined social relations, Good governance and Improving the quality of life are representative of the inhibitors of ethnic activism. In general, we can be said that the maladaptive role of this type of culture has a more clear effect on the patterns of activism and political participation of citizens, especially in the elections of the Parlement and the Islamic Council. The reduction and weakening of this model of activity depends on the creation of contexts where rational actions come to the fore.

Keywords

Ethnic Activism
Prejudice
Ethnocentrism
Tribal Preferences
Incompatibility of Institution
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  • Receive Date 08 June 2026
  • Publish Date 08 June 2026