Sociology and Problematic of Identity in Iran: A Meta-analysis of Theoretical and Empirical Studies on Identity

Identity is regarded as a theoretical and practical problematic issue which constitutes a large body of literature in social planning, political actions and cultural policy-making, in the last decades. Thus, this study wants to Meta-analyze three sorts of studies on identity in a distinctive perspective. These are: general theories in sociology, theoretical studies focused on Iranian academic sphere, and research studies on Iranian identity. The findings demonstrate that the sociological theories are more effective to discuss identity than other scientific fields; While the theoretical studies focused mainly on national level of identity, the empirical ones highlighted the sub-nation and global dimensions of identity; Most of researches employed the constructivist approach; according to literature review of identity studies in Iran, the main sources of identity are Persian language, Shiite religion, Islam, Oriental Culture, Oriental Mystic, Modernity and National History. Generally, it could be mention that the sources of identity are diverse; as a result, this indicates that the aspects of Iranian identity in all levels portray a hybrid and synthetic constitutions.