Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Professor of Sociology, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Over the past four decades, Iranian society has repeatedly experienced political, economic, and social shocks and crises. Although these crises have at times activated social capital and generated short-term solidarity, weak institutional trust and the absence of structural reforms have prevented the consolidation of sustainable social cohesion.The findings indicate that the cycle of social cohesion and resilience in Iran is inherently unstable and intermittent.During periods such as the Reconstruction and Reform eras, infrastructure development policies, the expansion of higher education, relative improvements in social welfare, and the strengthening of the middle class contributed to higher levels of trust, participation, and social optimism, thereby fostering greater cohesion.By contrast, the suspension of reforms, the dominance of ideological approaches over national interests, political centralization and the neglect of social demands in subsequent years have led to the depletion of social capital, declining national belonging, the spread of administrative corruption, and the deepening of social cleavages.This instability stems from a centralized and non-reflexive policy making structure, the predominance of short-term security-oriented perspectives, and the lack of structural justice. Accordingly, rebuilding social cohesion requires a transition toward learning-oriented and participatory governance, alongside strengthened institutional trust, transparency, social justice, and the adoption of rational, Iran-centered policies.
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