Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Modeling Social and Economic Factors Influencing Ethnic Convergence in Ahvaz (A Case Study of Historical Identity and Architectural Heritage)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ezatollah Safaei 1
Shahpoor Behyan 2
Esmaeil Jahanbakhsh 2
1 PhD student in Sociology, Dehaghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dehaghan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Dehagan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dehagan, Iran
10.22034/ias.2023.399468.2213
Abstract
In Iran, the national model is characterized by a composite and unbalanced structure. Khuzestan province is one of the regions with significant ethnic diversity. Due to its unique geographical location and proximity to neighboring provinces, it accommodates various ethnic groups, including Persians, Turks, Kurds, Lors, Laks, and members of certain religious sects. This diversity makes Khuzestan both a potential hub for ethnic interaction and a source of social and political tensions due to ethnic and linguistic differences.
The present study aims to model the social-economic factors, ethnic diversity, and social capital influencing ethnic convergence (case study: ethnic groups residing in Ahvaz). The statistical population includes all citizens aged 18 and above in Ahvaz. A random sampling method was employed, resulting in a sample size of 384 individuals calculated using Cochran's formula. The results indicate a significant relationship between socio-economic factors, ethnic convergence, ethnic diversity, and social capital. Evidently, ethnic diversity in Iran demands recognition as an objective reality in society today, necessitating rights that are legitimate. To ensure justice and equal rights for citizens, these issues must be addressed with proposed solutions. Historical identity is one of the key factors sustaining ethnic convergence, with architectural heritage serving as a manifestation of historical and ethnic identity in a region.
Research Objectives:

To examine the relationship between socio-economic status (subjective and objective dimensions) and ethnic convergence in Ahvaz.
To investigate the relationship between residential ethnic diversity and ethnic convergence in Ahvaz while analyzing architectural heritage and historical identity in this region.

Research Questions:

Is there a significant relationship between socio-economic status (subjective/objective) and ethnic convergence?
Is there a noteworthy affiliation between ethnic diversity, ethnic convergence, historical identity, and architecture?
Keywords
Social supervision
socio-economic status
social security
social capital
ethnic convergence

Subjects

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