Approaches in sociology and development

Abstract Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social capital and the entrepreneurial spirit among university students.
Method: This research employed a descriptive survey design with a correlational approach. The statistical population consisted of students at Yasouj University, of whom 391 individuals were selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using the 49‑item Entrepreneurship Spirit Questionnaire developed by Seyadat et al. (2012) and the 34‑item Social Capital Questionnaire by Onyx and Bullen (2000). The reliability of the entrepreneurial spirit questionnaire was measured at 0.912, and the reliability of the social capital questionnaire was 0.875.
Findings: The results of data analysis indicated that students’ entrepreneurial spirit was at a moderate level. A positive and significant relationship was found between social capital and entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, none of the demographic variables showed a significant relationship with entrepreneurial spirit.
Conclusion: Enhancing social capital can promote the entrepreneurial spirit among students, thereby contributing to addressing one of the country’s major social issues—namely, the unemployment of university graduates.

Abstract Abstract
Objective: The objective of the present study was to conduct a sociological analysis of the social and cultural factors affecting the tendency to wear the hijab among female undergraduate students at the Islamic Azad University of Babol Branch.
Method: The method of the present study was a descriptive survey of the correlation type. The statistical population of the study was female undergraduate students at the Islamic Azad University of Babol Branch in 1403, numbering (1093), of which 284 were selected as the sample size based on the multi-stage cluster sampling method and according to the Cochran formula. In order to collect data, two questionnaires with 86 questions on social and cultural factors affecting the tendency to wear the hijab (researcher-made) and a questionnaire with 17 questions on the tendency to wear the hijab were used. The validity and reliability of these were measured as 0.93, 0.90, 0.91, and 0.89, respectively. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and LISREL computer software.
Findings: The results of data analysis show that there is a significant relationship between social factors affecting the tendency to wear hijab among female undergraduate students of Islamic Azad University, Babol Branch. There is a significant relationship between cultural factors affecting the tendency to wear hijab among female undergraduate students of Islamic Azad University, Babol Branch. Conclusion: From a sociological perspective, hijab is formed in a context of social relations in which the framework, women's issues have cultural, social, political and economic dimensions as well as religious, spiritual, status, personality and behavioral components that can be examined from different paradigms and perspectives.

Abstract Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate crime in communities and free trade zones and to identify prevention techniques that support development and progress.
Findings: The review of studies and observations in this field revealed that, in addition to common offenses such as rent‑seeking, embezzlement, bribery, and theft, certain types of crimes—such as smuggling, illegal entry and residence of foreign nationals, issuing fraudulent customs declarations (cotage), and similar violations—occur frequently in these zones. Social prevention techniques can be enhanced through measures such as improving and sanitizing the environment, strengthening public awareness, and implementing other community‑based interventions. Situational prevention strategies, including neutralizing crime‑producing factors and reducing criminal motivations, also play a valuable role.
Conclusion: Crime prevention in free trade zones requires a multi-dimensional approach involving security measures, educational programs, and inter-organizational cooperation. When tailored to the specific needs of each zone, implementing such strategies can reduce crime rates and enhance safety and security in these areas.

Abstract Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritize managerial strategies that contribute to achieving social discipline among the employees of the Judiciary of East Azerbaijan Province.
Method: This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive in terms of methodology. The statistical population consisted of 25 employees of the Judiciary of East Azerbaijan Province, selected through a fully purposive sampling method. The study employed a mixed‑method research design. To prioritize the identified managerial strategies effective in achieving social discipline, the MCDM decision‑making framework was applied using the AHP statistical technique.
Findings: The results of variable ranking indicated that duty consciousness and responsibility, with a weight of 0.395, ranked first; job motivation, with a weight of 0.390, ranked second; employee social control, with a weight of 0.387, ranked third; personal and professional development, with a weight of 0.386, ranked fourth; proper enforcement of laws and regulations, with a weight of 0.331, ranked fifth; strategic planning and purposeful management, with a weight of 0.283, ranked sixth; and employee participation in decision‑making, with a weight of 0.274, ranked seventh.
Conclusion: Social order requires individuals to demonstrate personal discipline, and a healthy social life within systems and institutions is achieved when individuals respect the laws, rules, regulations, boundaries, and rights of one another.

Abstract Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to identify and prioritize the barriers to citizen participation in urban services in the city of Shadegan.
Method: The research method is applied in purpose and exploratory–mixed in design. Purposive sampling was used, and 13 participants—including members of the City Council, former and current mayors of Shadegan, and their deputies—were selected. After identifying the barriers through content analysis of previous research, a Likert‑scale questionnaire was developed and distributed using the Delphi technique in three rounds, during which several components were eliminated.
Findings: Data analysis revealed four main factors—urban structure and characteristics, urban management, reward and reward expectations from participation, and participation structures—as the key barriers to citizen participation in urban services. After constructing a decision tree, a pairwise comparison questionnaire was designed, and the prioritization of barriers was obtained using Expert Choice 11 software.
Conclusion: Citizen participation leads to reduced costs because the interests of city management and residents are interdependent. When participation is realized, many essential urban services can be provided within the city itself, utilizing local capacities.

Abstract Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the multidimensional impacts of social media and cyberspace on Iranian society.
Method: This research employed a mixed‑method approach (content analysis and survey), examining patterns of media consumption, identity transformations, the emergence of new forms of social movements, and the evolution of public discourse.
Findings: The results indicate that although these technologies have created opportunities for new modes of communication and civic engagement, they have also brought significant challenges such as the spread of misinformation, threats to privacy, and the deepening of social divides. By mapping these complex interactions, the study ultimately proposes policy-oriented strategies for the intelligent governance of cyberspace and the development of digital literacy.
Conclusion: The encounter of Iranian society with this phenomenon requires a strategic redefinition at individual, social, and governance levels. Social media and cyberspace have not only transformed interpersonal communication but have also exerted profound effects on various dimensions of social, cultural, and economic life.