The Place of Religiosity in the Changes of Social Hope of Tehrani Citizens
Subject Areas : Research on Iranian social issues
RAHA TALEB ARDAKANI
1
(Ph.D. Student of cultural policy, Kharazmi University, Iran.)
bijan zare
2
(Professor of Sociology Department, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.)
reza safarishali
3
(Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.)
alireza karimi
4
(Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.)
Keywords: social hope, religiosity, agency, grounded theory, Tehran city.,
Abstract :
The Place of Religiosity in the Changes
of Social Hope of Tehrani Citizens
Raha Talebi Ardakani*
Bijan Zare**
Reza Safari Shali***
Alireza Karimi****
Introduction
Hope, as a protective factor, is a positive psychological trait that enables individuals to set clear goals, develop multiple pathways to achieve these goals, overcome obstacles, and generate the necessary energy to pursue their objectives. It fosters positive emotions while simultaneously mitigating negative issues. Hope is viewed as a form of self-confidence and personal mastery that aids in goal-setting, planning, and problem-solving. Although social hope has not been prominently recognized as a significant social problem in national policy discourse, its absence or insufficiency has raised concerns among many people and officials.
Religiosity and religious teachings play a crucial role in enhancing social hope. They directly impact psychological and social well-being, thereby increasing both social and individual hope. Understanding the nature of hope, especially its transcendental and religious dimensions, offers potential pathways to bolster hope in various aspects. Social hope has become a political necessity in Iran, and any efforts to rebuild the relationship between the government and society depend on strengthening this component. Contemporary Iranian society appears to be on the brink of a crisis of despair. The erosion of social hope in recent years, coupled with a decline in social capital, has created significant challenges for the country’s development and social progress.
The aim of this research is to sociologically and qualitatively explore the role of religiosity in social hope among the citizens of Tehran.
Methodology
This qualitative research utilized a grounded theory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 50 individuals from Tehran, including university professors, marketers, youth, women, and students. The research reached theoretical saturation. Participants were selected using purposive sampling with snowball and maximum variation techniques to ensure diversity in terms of gender, education, age, and social class. Interviews lasted between 50 minutes to 2 hours and were sometimes conducted in multiple sessions. Data collection spanned over 2 years. Data analysis followed the theoretical coding system of grounded theory, comprising open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. In open coding, the interview texts were read line by line and conceptualized. In axial coding, concepts were grouped into central categories based on semantic overlap. The core category, derived at a more abstract level, was identified as the role of religiosity in the multifaceted revitalization of social hope.
Ethical considerations were observed throughout the study. Participants' consent was obtained before interviews, and they were informed about the research’s purpose, topic, and methods. Their privacy was protected by recording data with their permission and using pseudonyms to maintain confidentiality.
Findings
During the open coding phase, 105 open codes, 33 core codes, 9 main categories, and one core category emerged: hope for the hereafter and receiving divine reward; religious worldview and giving meaning to life; communication with God as the foundation of hope; the production of correct content and its role in religious identification and gaining hope; patience, tolerance of suffering, and hope for divine intervention; the spread of kindness and benevolence in religious teachings; the interdependence of religion, answering doubts, and increasing awareness; reducing social damage; and expanding solidarity and social belonging. The core category, the agency of religiosity in the multifaceted revitalization of social hope, was identified.
Participants sought various strategies to enhance and strengthen their social hope. They practiced kindness and beneficence, such as making vows, which increased their resilience to adversity by reinforcing their connection with a higher power. These practices aimed to improve problem-solving and provide mental and spiritual peace in this life and the hereafter. Participation in religious ceremonies and rituals also contributed to social cohesion by strengthening bonds and relationships.
Conclusion
The core category, the role of religiosity in the multifaceted revival of social hope, reflects a complex interplay of factors, conditions, and contexts. It illustrates that religiosity's role in expressing and developing social hope is multifaceted and not singularly causal. Social hope, from various humanities perspectives, remains a significant concern for individuals and cultural policymakers.
* Ph.D. Student of cultural policy, Kharazmi University, Iran.
rahatalebiardakani@gmail.com
** Corresponding author: Professor of Sociology Department, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
zare@khu.ac.ir
*** Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Reza_safaryshali@khu.ac.ir
**** Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
alireza.karimi@khu.ac.ir
Although, hope has not been raised as a social issue with large dimensions in the policy-making discourse of the country, it was and still is the problem of a large part of the country's people and policy makers. The purpose is sociological study of the interpretation of social hope among the citizens of Tehran. The methodology of this qualitative research, is grounded theory strategy. For this purpose, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 samples. In the open coding stage, 105 open codes, 33 core codes, 9 main categories and 1 core category were extracted from the data coding system. The results of this research narrate the multidimensional meaning of religiosity in restoring hope. It seems that the Tehran citizens, with the hope of infinite support, make enduring hardships meaningful and attribute multidimensional and positive agency to religiosity in the field of restoring hope. Also, religion strengthens the social aspect of hope through the creation of solidarity and cohesion and ultimately helps to reduce social problems in an overt and hidden way.