Public Policy and Social Cohesion: A Critical Reappraisal of Post–Iran–Iraq War Policies

Yousofi, Ali; Eslami, Ruhollah

doi:10.22054/qjss.2026.90563.2953

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Ali Yousofi ¹
Ruhollah Eslami ²

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

https://doi.org/10.22054/qjss.2026.90563.2953

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.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Sociology

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Public Policy and Social Cohesion: A Critical Reappraisal of Post–Iran–Iraq War Policies

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Volume 32, Issue 110 - Serial Number 110October 2025Pages 183-218

Volume 32, Issue 110 - Serial Number 110
October 2025
Pages 183-218