The Status of Religiosity in Iranian Society: A Comparison of Two Collective Identity Survey

Religiosity, as one of the foundational components of identity in Iranian society, has undergone significant transformations in recent decades under the influence of factors such as modernization, globalization, and socio-cultural changes. This study aims to examine the state of religiosity among Iranians, investigate its changes between 2014 and 2020, and identify the prominent dimensions of religiosity. Using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative) and a survey conducted among 14,953 residents of provincial capitals, the findings reveal a decline in the average religiosity score during this period. The doctrinal dimension remains the most prominent with the highest average, while the ritualistic and emotional dimensions have experienced significant declines. Furthermore, individual religiosity has increased, whereas participation in social religiosity has decreased. This study highlights how changes in religiosity are accompanied by the emergence of new lifestyles and identities, which have crucial implications for social cohesion and national identity.