Social Change in Iran: An Eyewitness Account of Dissent, Defiance, and New Movements for Rights

by Behzad Yaghmaian

Social Change in Iran is an inquiry into the recent changes in Iran, blending scholarly analysis, eyewitness accounts, and the author's personal experiences. It tells the stories of everyday people, be it young men and women challenging the cultural and social mandates of the Islamic Republic, or workers toiling at multiple jobs to overcome harsh economic realities. This passionate homage to the people of Iran as told by a native is a glimpse into the human feelings and aspirations of a people subjected to varying forms of violence at home and widespread misunderstanding abroad. At the same time Yaghmaian provides an informed analysis of the widening political divide within the state, and the emergence of a movement for reform, both of which have shaken the seemingly indisputable foundations of the Islamic Republic.

281 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Samin Rb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing, I guess the author was largely entertained by his own poetic tone. An example, talking about the pre-Reformist era: 'Happiness was a worldly sin; laughter was a crime...The Islamic republic opposed and banned music, arts, and all cultural symbols of modern life' p.48. Come on! What kind of picture is this? How about all those movies, plays and traditional music? The comedy series aired by the national TV? The book is packed with this sort of faulty and exaggerated pictures.