Social Capital and National Identity in Iran: The Case of Tehran Citizens

Journal of Social Research & Policy, Volume: 8, Issue: 2, pp. 61-73

Date: December 2017

ISSN: 2067-2640 (print), 2068-9861 (electronic)

Abstract: The article explores the relationship between social capital and national identity in Iran. It considers national identity

as an important factor in social cohesion and efficiency of social planning of all multi-cultural societies. In this study,

we used the survey method. The research population consisted of the people of older than 18 years who live in Tehran.

The sample size included 385 subjects, who were selected by multistage cluster sampling. The results indicated that those

who more social capital also higher levels of national identity. As a supplementary result, we can say that the three

subscales of social capital, i.e. participation, trust, and cooperation, significantly explain the changes in national

identity. Among the three subscales, cooperation, partnership, and trust have the largest impact on increasing the levels

of national identity, respectively.

Keywords: Social Capital; National Identity; Participation; Trust; Cooperation.