Social mobility and the issue of political development in Iran after the Islamic Revolution

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Azadeh Olfati 1
Seyyed Shams al-Din Sadeghi 2
Masoud Akhwan Kazemi 3
1 Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University
2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
3 Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22084/rjir.2026.31771.3982
Abstract
Objective: In addition to political transformation, the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 also brought about a transformation and leap in social mobility. The aim of the present study is to explain the reciprocal relationship between increasing social mobility and institutionalized political development in Iran after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in the last few decades, emphasizing the mediating role of political parties. The research question is how can the relationship between social mobility and political development in Iran after the Islamic Revolution be analyzed and evaluated? In response, the hypothesis will be examined that the increasing social mobility in Iran after the Islamic Revolution, in the absence of institutionalized political parties, has delayed the process of political development by creating periodic instabilities. Research Methodology: In response to the research question, a descriptive-analytical method based on Samuel Huntington's theoretical foundations (political development and political institutionalization) has been used to explain the management of modernization and social movement. The data collection method is books and articles, statistical yearbooks, and websites related to the subject.

Findings: The research findings show that social mobility has led to a greater awareness of society and, as a result, an increase in their demands; however, political parties after the Islamic Revolution are far from Huntington's institutional criteria.

Conclusion: The weakness in the institutionalization of political parties has led to a serious weakening of their mediating role in absorbing, moderating, and channeling social demands. This factor has caused challenges in the process of political development, and periodic unrest such as the protests of 2017, 2019, and 2022 have occurred in the absence of institutionalized political parties.
Keywords
Social mobility
political development
political parties
Iran after the Islamic Revolution
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