Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mahmoudreza Rahbarqazi ¹
• Morteza Ebrahimi ¹
• reza mahmoudoghli ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
In Iran, social capital has been widely studied to explore its various dimensions and its influence on social and political life. However, one area that remains under-researched—and represents a significant gap in the literature—is the mediating role of modern cultural values. Understanding these cultural dynamics is essential for fostering a more participatory society in Iran. In this respect, the current study aimed to examine the impact of social capital on social activism, with particular emphasis on how modern values shape and condition this relationship. Examining this issue within the context of contemporary Iranian society is important because it reveals, on the one hand, how social capital functions as a key factor in the development of social activism, and on the other hand, how civic participation is influenced by cultural factors. Such insights can inform more effective strategies for strengthening civic engagement in today’s societies. The study sought to answer the following questions: How do the components of social capital (i.e., social trust and social networks) directly increase social activism among citizens? And how do the components of social capital indirectly increase social activism through modern cultural values?
Literature Review
In the modern era, the role of social capital in fostering citizen engagement and participation in social and political affairs is a prominent topic of discussion. In his seminal book Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville offered an in-depth analysis of civil society and highlighted the crucial role played by associations and voluntary groups in strengthening democracy and encouraging citizen participation. According to Tocqueville, these civic institutions enhance social capital and make a substantial contribution to the consolidation of civic action. He argued that civil associations serve as intermediaries between individuals and the state, fostering greater citizen involvement in public affairs. Beyond monitoring government actions, these organizations also cultivate social solidarity and reinforce citizens’ sense of civic responsibility. For these reasons, Tocqueville regarded them as essential to the stability of democratic systems. In Islamic societies, social capital can indirectly increase social and civic engagement among citizens by reducing—rather than enhancing—modern values. In Islam, Secularism, and Liberal Democracy, Hashemi (2009) argued that Islamic societies can achieve civic development and participation by drawing on their indigenous religious values rather than adopting modern Western models. According to Hashemi, progress and democracy can emerge through the religious and cultural institutions unique to Islamic societies, rather than through the norms of modernity. Similarly, An-Na’im, in Islam and the Secular State (2008), argued that social capital in Islamic societies can foster social and civic engagement through religious and traditional institutions and values. He thus demonstrated how Islamic civic values can promote civic activity in these societies without relying on modern values.
Materials and Methods
The present research used a quantitative method and relied on the secondary data analysis. To test the hypotheses, partial least squares (PLS) analysis was conducted in the SmartPLS modeling software. The data for hypothesis testing was drawn from the Wave 7 World Values Survey for Iran.
Results and Discussion
Table 1 presents the t-values associated with the main hypotheses.
 
Table 1. Significance Coefficients (t-values)




Independent variables


Mediating variables


Dependent variables


t


Sig.




Social trust


Cultural values

 

37.12


0.00




Social networks


Cultural values

 

3.32


0.00




Social trust

 

Social activism


6.46


0.00




Social networks

 

Social activism


3.73


0.00




Cultural values

 

Social activism


4.73


0.00




Social trust


Cultural values


Social activism


4.67


0.00




Social networks


Cultural values


Social activism


2.59


0.01




Based on the results, the interpretation of the path coefficients, t-values, and significance levels is as follows. First, social trust has a negative and significant effect on cultural values, but a positive and significant effect on social activism. This indicates that social trust directly and significantly increases social activism. Second, social networks also show a negative and significant effect on cultural values, alongside a positive and significant effect on social activism, suggesting that social networks produce modest yet significant changes in this area. Third, cultural values have a negative effect on social activism, indicating that higher levels of cultural values are associated with a significant decrease in social activism. The results for indirect effects further show that social trust has an indirect and significant influence on social activism through cultural values. This finding suggests that social trust increases social activism by reducing cultural values. Finally, social networks also exert an indirect and significant effect on social activism through cultural values, although this effect is weaker than that of social trust. Overall, the findings demonstrated that social networks, indirectly and through cultural values, can contribute to increased social activism.
Conclusion
First, the research findings were consistent with the theories of Alexis de Tocqueville, Robert David Putnam, and Elinor Ostrom, demonstrating that social trust and social networks are significant factors influencing citizens’ social activism. Social trust, as a key dimension of social capital, provides the foundation for citizen participation in civic activities. Individuals with higher levels of social trust are more likely to cooperate and engage in collective affairs. Furthermore, social networks—by facilitating interaction and the exchange of information—contribute to enhanced participation in social activism. Thus, in societies where strong social networks and mutual trust exist, collective cooperation and civic activities are more easily formed. This is because shared norms and a sense of group belonging encourage individuals to collaborate and participate in social matters. In essence, social capital functions as a powerful resource for social mobilization and civic engagement.
Second, the findings were also consistent with the theories underscoring the important mediating role of cultural values in this process. In societies where modern cultural values are expanding, social capital can contribute to increased social activism. In the case of Iran, given its distinct cultural and social context, social capital may indirectly enhance citizens’ social activism by offsetting some of the negative effects associated with modern values. In other words, in a society where social capital emphasizes social bonds and mutual trust, individuals tend to prioritize collective interests over the individualistic orientations promoted by modern values. This shift in priorities can enhance their inclination to participate in civic and social activities. Therefore, in Iran, reinforcing social relationships and emphasizing cultural values grounded in cooperation, solidarity, and mutual support can help foster greater civic engagement and more active participation in public affairs. This process not only contributes to the strengthening of civil society but also promotes social development and enhances the overall quality of social life for citizens.

Keywords

• Social Capital
• Social Trust
• Social Networks
• Cultural Values
• Social Action

Main Subjects

• Political Sociology