Volume & Issue: Volume 1, Issue 3, Autumn 2025 
Research-review

Historical Obstacles to the Growth of Capitalism in Iran: A Comparative and Critical Analysis of Ahmad Ashraf's Views

https://doi.org/10.22034/jasd.2026.235931

amane abbasi, Daruosh Rezapour

Abstract This research aims to critically analyze the content of the book Historical Obstacles to the Growth of Capitalism in Iran by Ahmad Ashraf, and to examine the structural causes of the historical underdevelopment of industrial capitalism in Iran. The research method is a qualitative content analysis that uses concepts derived from the theories of historical institutionalism, dependent development, and the developmental state to code and extract key themes from the text of the book. The research findings show that the obstacles to the growth of capitalism in Iran can be classified into two levels: "internal obstacles" (including tribal structure, economic and political insecurity, and inhibiting social structures) and "external obstacles" (such as colonialism, global economic influence, and inefficient economic investment). These two groups of factors have operated in a cycle of structural dependency reproduction that has prevented the formation of productive classes and efficient institutions. A comparative comparison with the experiences of Turkey and India shows that the weakness in the will to institutional reform and the lack of a development-oriented government are factors that distinguish Iran from these countries. In the final analysis, the present study, while confirming the historical richness of Ashraf's work, also emphasizes theoretical shortcomings and neglect of the possibility of structural reform. This study, looking at the historical continuity of development obstacles in Iran, highlights the need to rethink current political and economic institutions.

research

The Impact of National Culture on the Security and Well-being of Society

https://doi.org/10.22034/jasd.2025.233541

kiyumars moladoost

Abstract Background and Objective: The culture of any nation contributes to its sustainability and well-being. ‎Iran, with its rich culture and historical background, relies on its national and Iranian culture for ‎national stability and strength. This research aims to interpret the impact of Iranian national culture ‎on the security and well-being of Iranian society.‎
Method and Materials: The research adopts a theoretical perspective based on a hermeneutic ‎approach and is aligned with previous research, observations, and life experiences. The research ‎method is descriptive based on data collection.‎
Findings: The dominance of religion in all aspects of governance and the administration of the ‎country, including political, economic, social, and cultural affairs, has led to the neglect of many ‎aspects of Iranian culture. This study attempts to demonstrate that disregarding Iranian culture, ‎rituals, and traditions can result in significant harm to the security and well-being of Iranian society. ‎Safeguarding and promoting culture prevent such harm and contribute to its regeneration. National ‎culture is influential in national cohesion and the preservation of Iran's territorial integrity.‎
Conclusion: Iranian culture is rooted in celebratory rituals, and the cheerful people of Iran may not ‎have the capacity to endure excessive grief and mourning, leading to long-term adverse ‎consequences. On the other hand, strengthening and paying attention to national and Iranian culture ‎enhances Iran's credibility and desirable global image. Cultural commonalities and widespread ‎traditions can promote security, peace, friendship, and social well-being in Iran.‎

Research-Quantitative

Sociological study of the impact of lifestyle on cultural and social development (case study of Tehran metropolis)

https://doi.org/10.22034/jasd.2025.233542

reza khosravi

Abstract Objective: The objective of the present study was to sociologically investigate the impact of lifestyle on cultural and social development in the metropolis of Tehran. Method: The method of the present study was a descriptive correlational survey. The study sample consisted of 384 Tehrani citizens living in the north, south, center, east, and west of Tehran, who were selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. In order to collect data, two questionnaires were used: a 39-question lifestyle questionnaire (researcher-made) and a 44-question cultural and social development questionnaire (researcher-made). The validity and reliability of these questionnaires were measured as 0.92, 0.90, 0.89, and 0.91, respectively. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and LISREL computer software. Findings: The results of data analysis show that lifestyle has a significant impact on cultural development in the metropolis of Tehran. Lifestyle has a significant impact on social development in the metropolis of Tehran. Conclusion: Lifestyles are an integral part of everyday social life in the modern world and play a fundamental role in social interactions and, consequently, cultural and social development.

Research-Mixed

Investigating factors affecting rural tourism development

https://doi.org/10.22034/jasd.2025.234865

Hossein Sedaghat

Abstract Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the factors affecting the development of rural tourism in the Mahan district of Kerman city. Method: This study is applied-developmental in terms of its objective and descriptive-analytical in terms of its method: The statistical population of the study included all villagers of 6 tourist-friendly villages in the Mahan district of Kerman city, numbering (7656), of which 366 were selected as the sample size based on the stratified random sampling method and according to the Cochran formula. In order to collect data, a questionnaire on factors affecting the development of rural tourism was used. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were measured as 0.93 and 0.90, respectively. To identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, both the external factor evaluation (EFE) and internal factor evaluation (IFE) matrices were used, and to identify factors affecting the development of rural tourism, the SWOT matrix was used. Also, to determine the priority of the research criteria and sub-criteria, the analytical hierarchy process model known as AHP was used. Findings: The results of the SWOT matrix show that there is a significant relationship between the factors affecting the development of rural tourism in the Mahan district of Kerman city. Conclusion: Tourism is one of the most important activities of contemporary man, which, along with creating remarkable changes in the landscape, transforms the political, economic, cultural and lifestyle of humans.

Research-Quantitative

Sociological study of factors affecting lawlessness among motorcycle riders (case study: Mashhad city)

https://doi.org/10.22034/jasd.2025.234866

Ali Asghar Abbasi Esfjir, Abolghasem Hyderabadi, Morteza Zarreparvar Tali

Abstract The aim of the present study was to conduct a sociological study of the social, cultural and economic factors affecting lawlessness of motorcycle riders in Mashhad. The present study method was a descriptive correlational survey. The population of this study included (384) motorcycle drivers (riders) who were known to be lawless according to the indicators and criteria of traffic police experts, and were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method and according to the Cochran formula. In order to collect data, two questionnaires with 23 questions on social, cultural and economic factors affecting lawlessness (researcher-made) and an 8-question lawlessness questionnaire were used. The validity and reliability of these were measured as 0.87, 0.89, 0.91 and 0.93, respectively. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and LISREL computer software. The results of data analysis showed that 1- There is a significant relationship between social factors affecting lawlessness of motorcycle riders in Mashhad. 2- There is a significant relationship between cultural factors affecting lawlessness of motorcycle riders in Mashhad. 3- There is a significant relationship between economic factors affecting lawlessness of motorcycle riders in Mashhad. Based on the results of the research, some suggestions were also presented.

Research-Quantitative

Sociological analysis of the relationship between sustainable social development and cultural policies with regard to the mediating role of citizenship rights (case study of Azad University, Central Tehran Branch)

https://doi.org/10.22034/jasd.2025.234867

MohammedAli nikbakhsh

Abstract Abstract
Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the sociological analysis of the relationship between sustainable social development and cultural policies with regard to the mediating role of citizenship rights at Azad University, Central Tehran Branch. Method: The method of the present study was a descriptive correlational survey. The statistical population of the study included all employees of Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, (270) people, of whom 159 were selected as the sample size based on simple random sampling method and according to the Cochran formula. In order to collect data, three questionnaires for sustainable social development (researcher-made),cultural policies questionnaire (researcher-made), and citizenship rights questionnaire (researcher-made) were used. The validity and reliability of which were measured as 0.93 and 0.90, 0.91 and 0.89, 0.86 and 0.88, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS22 software were used to analyze the data. Findings: The results of data analysis show that there is a significant relationship between sustainable social development and cultural policies, considering the mediating role of citizenship rights in Azad University, Central Tehran Branch.There is a significant relationship between sustainable social development and cultural policies in Azad University, Central Tehran Branch. Conclusion: Sustainable social development, with an emphasis on cultural policies and also citizenship rights, has a great impact on modern societies in various dimensions such as improving the quality of life, reducing inequalities, and increasing public participation.
Keywords: Sustainable Social Development, Cultural Policies, Civil rights, Azad University, Central Tehran Branch