Meta-Analysis: A Sociological Investigation of the Structural Factors and Obstacles to Meritocracy in Iran

Hoseini, Seyedmostafa; Akbari Ghamsari, Amir

doi:10.22054/qjss.2026.89522.2930

Meta-Analysis: A Sociological Investigation of the Structural Factors and Obstacles to Meritocracy in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Seyedmostafa Hoseini ¹

Amir Akbari Ghamsari ²

¹ Sociology PhD Candidate, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/qjss.2026.89522.2930

Abstract

Meritocracy, as a fundamental principle for the equitable distribution of opportunities and resources, faces complex challenges in Iran, rooted in structural inequalities, power structures, and socio-cultural dynamics. Utilizing qualitative thematic meta-analysis, this study examines the findings of 30 domestic articles (2001-2025) to analyze meritocracy through three structural themes: (1) Structural Inequalities, (2) Power Structures, and (3) Socio-Cultural Dynamics. The methodology involved open, axial, and selective coding of both facilitating factors and obstructive barriers, organized at a structural level. Within these 30 articles, 93 macro-level facilitating factors and 103 obstructive barriers were identified.

The findings reveal that structural inequalities operate unilaterally and negatively, restricting equal access. Power structures are dualistic in nature, yet obstructive barriers within them are predominant, undermining transparency. Similarly, socio-cultural dynamics exhibit duality, but relationship-centric tendencies are dominant, diminishing the motivation for individual effort. The interaction of barriers across these three themes—particularly those of economic inequality, power concentration, and favoritism (parit-bazi)—creates a negative feedback loop. This loop severely constrains meritocracy and impedes the realization of social justice.

Keywords

Meritocracy

Structural Inequalities

Power Structures

Socio-Cultural Dynamics

Social Justice

Thematic Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

Subjects

Sociology

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