Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mohammad Dadpanah ¹
• Hossein Harsij ²
• Amir Masud Shahramnia ³
• Gholamreza Davazdah Emami ⁴

¹ Ph.D Student, Political Sociology, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economic, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

² Professor, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

³ Associate Professor, Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economic, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

⁴ Assistant Professor, Political Sciences, Faculty of Administrative Sciences & Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Social cohesion, as a key indicator of good governance, forms the foundation of development in any country. Without social cohesion, the process of national development faces significant challenges. Despite the constitutional revision and certain institutional reforms, social cohesion in Iran has declined, posing a major obstacle to the country’s development. In this regard, the present study aimed to examine the changes in social cohesion in Iran from the onset of the Islamic Revolution up to 2024, focusing on the periods before and after the 1989 constitutional revision.
Literature Review
Many studies have addressed the definition, factors, and criteria for measuring social cohesion, offering various solutions and initiatives aimed at fostering social cohesion, addressing potential threats, and enhancing the resilience of society. The earliest sociological work related to social cohesion can be traced back to Ibn Khaldun in the 14th century A.D. In The Muqaddimah, he introduced the concept of ‘asabiyyah, which is closely related to concept of social cohesion. Ibn Khaldun defines ‘asabiyyah as the harmony of tribal, kinship, and religious affiliations, establishing a direct link between ‘asabiyyah and the stability and power of civilizations, dynasties, and states. He identifies the decline of ‘asabiyyah in societies as a key factor contributing to the collapse of civilizations, while emphasizing that strong ‘asabiyyah represents one of the most important sources of opportunity and power for any human society. Another significant work on the concept of social cohesion is John Jenson’s 2010 book Defining and Measuring Social Cohesion, which addresses the concepts and variables used to assess social cohesion. Jenson examined the historical perspectives on social cohesion and explored
its relationship with social capital. He further identified key indicators for measuring social cohesion and discussed the role of institutions and government in creating social cohesion. Moreover, Jenson presented social cohesion as a key factor in economic growth and development, arguing that political elites are able to implement their policies with fewer threats and challenges from competitors and citizens in countries that exhibit strong social cohesion. In Social Cohesion Contested, Swain and Urban (2024) presented social cohesion as a desirable political goal and as a foundation for economic growth and individual well-being. They highlighted the concept of social cohesion and provide a distinct definition. They note that while the term is often used to imply broad consensus and understanding at the societal and governance levels, in practice it is subject to varying interpretations and definitions. They attempted to define cohesion as the coexistence of diverse thoughts and identities under the guidance of scientific authority and normative legitimacy. The lack of consensus on the concept of social cohesion is a key reason why it is often not achieved and presents a challenge for policymakers seeking to realize this goal. The book offers not only a critique of the conventional understanding of social cohesion but also serves as an example of how philosophical critique can inform research and social policy.
In addition, the article “Social Cohesion: Definitions, Causes and Consequences” (Moustakas, 2023) examined social cohesion at the micro, meso, and macro levels of society. He emphasized the development of relationships and solidarity as a source of new resources and opportunities. Moustakas identified several behaviors and concepts associated with social cohesion, including shared values,
common experiences, civic participation, mutual aid, trust in others, social networks, social order, acceptance of diversity, welfare, equality, and social mobility. From his perspective, social cohesion is an ongoing process that fosters well-being, a sense of belonging, and voluntary social participation, while enabling citizens to tolerate and promote multiple values and cultures within society. The study by Lukosch et al. (2018), titled “Social Cohesion Revisited: A New Definition and How to Characterize It,” reviewed existing definitions of social cohesion and examined the concept at three levels: individual, social, and institutional. The review of the literature indicates that the concept of social capital is fundamentally grounded in sustainable social cohesion, making social networks a valuable asset. These networks enable citizens to cooperate not only with those they know directly but also with others for mutual benefit. Furthermore, as the research literature shows, social cohesion is influenced by both positive and negative factors, which are shaped by the characteristics of society and political institutions.
Materials and Methods
The present study used the SWOT analytical framework and the comparative method to address the research question. The SWOT model allows for an assessment of both institutional and environmental conditions. By identifying institutional strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, the study evaluated social cohesion vis-à-vis good governance in a comparative manner across the two specified time periods.
Results and Discussion
The variables of social cohesion did not follow a uniform trend across the two periods under study; some indicators showed improvement, while others reflected a decline in social cohesion. The analysis helped identify the key variables influencing social cohesion, including equality of opportunity, economic growth, development of civil institutions, education, structural cohesion, shared beliefs, globalization, media, and external threats. A comparison of these variables indicated that the political system’s inability to ensure the livelihood of citizens, the lack of distributive justice, and unbalanced development, combined with environmental pressures such as the effects of globalization and the expansion of interactive media, contributed to a decline in the social capital of the political structure. As a result, the gap between society and the government widened compared to the period before the 1989 constitutional revision, leading to an overall decrease in social cohesion.
Conclusion
A comparative evaluation of the institutional and environmental components of social cohesion before and after the 1989 constitutional revision revealed that social cohesion actually declined in the period following the constitutional changes. This is contrary to the view of some intellectuals and policy elites who argued that structural reforms and constitutional revision would not only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the political system but also promote social cohesion.

Keywords

• Social Cohesion
• Social Capital
• Equal Opportunity
• Resilience

Main Subjects

• Political Sociology