Iranian Journal of Sociology

Abstract The establishment of the Safavid Empire in Persia in the early 16th century (1501 AD) resulted in two collaborating and rival public spheres: the clergy public sphere and Diwani public sphere. 
In this era, religious scholars, and clergymen, by founding the clergy public sphere, worked successfully in two areas: institutionalization and theoretical turn. The introduction of theories such as the oppressive ruler, deputy of Imam Mahdi, ijtihad, and imitation by religious authority led to the formation of the velayat-e-faqih theory in the next centuries.
The research method is based on Robert Merton's conceptualization approach and modern historical sociology. The findings showed that the theoretical evolution of scholars and mujtahids not only strengthened their institutionalization process but also led the clergymen to dominate the public sphere of Iranian society. They also revealed that the changes in Iran over the past two centuries do not represent a process of modernization, but the change of inactive and passive tradition to the reflexive tradition under the influence of the historical residues.

Abstract Comparative historical analysis is one of the most important and efficient methodologies in contemporary social sciences. It seems that this methodology can help us develop C. Wright Mills's concepts of sociological imagination.  Theda Skocpol, under the influence of Mills, employed sociology's historical imagination in analyzing social problems.  He argues that there are three approaches to historical sociology: interpretive historical sociology, macro-historical sociology, and analytical historical sociology. In this paper, the characteristics of comparative historical analysis are explained and then the application of this methodology is clarified in analyzing Iran s problems. In the end, the limitations and possibilities are mentioned.

Abstract The paper aimed at reviewing the approach, method, and field of futures studies in social sciences. To do this, it used two different approaches: critical public sociology and methodological critique that raised issues of methodology and social science philosophy focused on the critical realism approach. Therefore, two questions arose: firstly, could futures studies as a scientific field produce valid science? Secondly, what critique does public sociology provide for futures studies? Research findings revealed that futures studies which is the systematic studies of open and macro systems, complex structures, and intentional and volunteer actors, has low efficiency.  They also demonstrate that despite the explicit claim of futures studies and its scholars for constructing a better and more egalitarian world, they have always been of service to the state and market that have created the current situation.

Abstract Masculinity as a form of values, norms, and behaviors is to a large extent derived from discourse relationships. The development of virtual social networks in the last decade has provided the ground for the multiplicity and arrangement of rival discourses of masculinity. Relying on the virtual ethnography method and semiotic and thematic analysis, seek to identify the types of masculinity in cyberspace, the dominant discourses, and their relationships. The main types extracted included hegemonic, complicit, subaltern, marginal masculinity, and their subtypes. The alternative form of active anti-discrimination masculinity with the ideal of gender equality and the briquillage form of the new hegemonic masculinity was also recognized, which seeks to combine elements of traditional hegemonic masculinity with newer elements to perpetuate masculine superiority. The types were universal and some were indigenous. Iranian men combine elements of their identity in the complex cultural-historical context as well as the existing economic and political structures. Thus the hierarchy between the types of masculinity, their actions in the face of each other and other forms, as well as in the face of macrostructures, as power/resistance and tactics/strategy, as well as some of their mechanisms have found more complexities and found an Iranian face.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stakeholders of the traffic plan and air pollution. The research method was qualitative and the study population was all stakeholders of the traffic and air pollution plan in the area of ​​Tehran's Grand Bazaar. To collect the data, we conducted a purposeful sampling method and employed semi-structured interviews with 25 key informants. According to the documents and data, three groups of stakeholders were identified as "definitive, sub-intervening, and intervening". In confronting traffic and air pollution plan, these stakeholders have adopted relations that include: neglect and deviation, compensation and maximization of benefits, commanding and prescriptive view, futuristic participation, active confrontation, indifference and passive spectatorship, persuasion, and satisfaction. According to the results of the present study, the urban policy made the stakeholders obey traffic laws by adopting a similar policy. To reduce the negative relations between the stakeholders and help them participate, it is necessary to revive the neighborhood structure.

Abstract Social problems as multidimensional phenomena in human society are the result of a dialectic between agency-structure. Iranian society is experiencing various social, cultural, and economic problems. The main purpose of this study is to review systematically the social problems of Iran. To gather the data, we employed secondary analysis in the period 2000 to 2020 with a sample size of 26 research documents. The findings revealed that the types of social problems can be grouped under three headings: A cultural anomie (undermining values and norms, flattery, cultural risky behavior, negative values, cultural conflict, extramarital affairs, and sexual deviation, social alienation), B. Social anomie (social disorganization, individualism, Social frustration, erosion of social capital, fear of crime, the spread of street fights, family violence, the spread of domestic violence, street harassment, social risk behavior, increase in drug use, driving offenses and c. economic anomie (distribution disorder of goods, unfavorable business environment, job security, increasing economic pressure, class gap, food insecurity, and economic instability).