Cultural Issues Among Iranians
To claim to fully understand the cultural issues of an entire nation is a bold assertion, and I make no such claim. However, based on my observations and comparisons between Iranian culture and other cultures, especially European ones, I have reached several conclusions that I will share here. My definition of a "problem" refers to a cultural trait whose negative impact on individuals and society far outweighs its benefits. Clearly, my perspective is influenced by my academic background in psychology and engineering. Writing this does not imply that I am free from these issues; rather, I acknowledge them and strive to address them. The term “Iranians” in this text generally refers to the majority, not to every Iranian.
The first point I’d like to address is my belief that, due to the extensive invasions Iran has faced throughout history and its warm, arid climate, Iranian culture has developed significant issues that have hindered its progress. By invasion, I mean a military assault that resulted in prolonged foreign rule with conflicting interests (e.g., the invasions by Arabs, Timurids, and Mongols). Climate has affected cultures throughout history, influencing factors like male sexual drive, water scarcity and management, transportation, and the interaction between people and nature. Beyond that, prolonged foreign rule instilled fear, conservatism, and even heightened violence within society. This means that the root of Iran’s underdevelopment in recent centuries is more cultural than anything else.
To illustrate this, consider that without the economic power generated by oil, Iran's external appearance might seem far more underdeveloped. Although some argue that the absence of oil would have led to cultural improvements, I believe most of our cultural issues stem from deeper historical roots. And even if the absence of oil wealth had led to some improvement, it would likely not have matched the material progress made possible by oil. Many Iranians find it difficult to accept that solving our problems requires more cultural reform than purely political change—a reform that must begin within ourselves. In reality, many misguided government decisions stem from the predominant public beliefs, which, if shifted, would drive political decisions in a different direction. No government can deviate from the public’s central beliefs for long, so by changing those beliefs, we can influence our leaders. Of course, government policies also play a major role in shaping public attitudes.
Wars that didn’t lead to long-term occupation cannot be the primary reason for Iran’s stagnation, as almost every nation has experienced such conflicts. How nations respond to aggression differs significantly. For example, Iran’s inadequate response to Russian invasions during the Qajar era reflected underlying cultural weaknesses that, paradoxically, sparked the desire for the Constitutional Revolution.
It’s clear that the following cultural shortcomings are not exclusive to Iranians and can also be found in cultures nearby, such as in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Europe.
1. Emotional Maturity
One of the most critical issues is the delayed development of emotional maturity among Iranians. While most Iranians experience sexual and cognitive maturity before the age of twenty, they often reach emotional maturity much later or not at all. Emotional maturity involves finding complex solutions to emotional issues, managing one’s emotions effectively, and maintaining control over intense emotional fluctuations. This complexity often reduces the tendency toward violence, as violence is usually a simplistic, reactionary response.
The main reasons behind this delay are the differences in how young Iranians live compared to youth in modern societies. In modern societies, after achieving a certain level of cognitive maturity, young people take on responsibilities, both socially and financially, which help develop emotional maturity. They strive for financial independence, even if only part-time, and are often willing to work in any legitimate job, which is seen as a virtue. Such work, under stricter conditions than in Iran, helps youth develop maturity. Additionally, young people engage in semi-stable relationships with the opposite sex, experiencing emotional ups and downs that contribute to their emotional growth. Each emotional setback teaches individuals to better control their emotions and use them constructively.
In Iran, youth often encounter the complexities of life abruptly and unprepared, lacking the coping mechanisms needed to handle them effectively. As Freud famously stated, “Civilization is born out of self-restraint.” Civilization emerges when people delay or control their needs and, in doing so, find more advanced and effective solutions. To clarify the concept of emotional maturity, consider the following examples:
1.1 Teamwork: Iranian culture suffers from a severe lack of teamwork, seen in universities, workplaces, political parties, and even families. This disunity often results from an inability to extend individual interests into group interests, wasting energy and weakening collective endeavors. Emphasis on differences rather than similarities, lack of compromise, and misplaced aggression reflect emotional immaturity.
1.2 Herd Mentality: While being influenced by others is common in all cultures, Iranians are more prone to be influenced than those in modern societies. This leads to widespread trends that lack rational justification. Conformity, apart from stemming from conservatism, is also rooted in a susceptibility to social pressure, which stifles creativity and freedom.
1.3 Parental Control: Relationships between parents and children are complex and require sophisticated approaches. Resorting to physical or verbal violence as a way of controlling children is a simplistic, harmful method often chosen by parents due to a lack of alternatives. This approach, prevalent even among upper social classes in Iran, reflects a lack of emotional maturity and inability to handle conflicts constructively.
1.4 Body Language: Many Iranians struggle with effectively using and interpreting body language, which increases aggression in communication. Improved understanding of body language allows for better grasping of underlying emotions, fostering more measured responses.
1.5 High Expectations and Work Ethic: Iranians often have disproportionate expectations from society without providing equivalent contributions. This entitlement is ingrained from childhood, especially among those living abroad, who experience a stronger work ethic due to exposure to structured workplaces.
2. Historical Conservatism
Due to repeated invasions and occupations throughout history (notably the Mongol and Arab conquests) and an entrenched belief system shaped by these events, Iranians exhibit a culturally conservative mindset. This conservatism has led to numerous cultural setbacks, including:
2.1 Lack of Creativity in Lifestyle Choices: Many Iranians live similarly out of fear of societal judgment. Despite occasional awareness of this problem, they either consider it normal or lack the courage to change. A vast portion of life is spent appeasing the opinions of others, stifling individuality and creativity.
2.2 Sexual Conservatism: Sexual needs are fundamental, and every culture must address them in contextually appropriate ways. When this need goes unmet, individuals may develop psychological issues such as depression and heightened aggression. Unfortunately, Iranian culture addresses sexuality conservatively, lagging behind the times and failing to offer suitable solutions. Most Iranian couples enter marriage with limited understanding of each other due to inadequate pre-marital experiences, leading to higher marital dissatisfaction.
2.3 Dogmatism: Many Iranians, regardless of their beliefs, are dogmatic and resistant to opposing views. This inflexibility is not limited to the general populace but is also prevalent among those with more modern ideas, who often shy away from intellectual critique.
3. Idealism and Lack of Self-Confidence
Iranians are idealistic, constantly setting high standards. While it may seem like a positive trait, it often leads to:
3.1 Lack of Self-Confidence and Social Inertia: Idolizing figures who seem impossibly accomplished leads to feelings of inadequacy, as one’s achievements feel minor in comparison. This mindset often results in hero worship, with individuals waiting for “saviors” to make a difference rather than taking responsibility for their own roles.
3.2 Appearances: Iranians often prioritize appearances, striving to project an image rather than focusing on personal growth, a behavior rooted in insecurity.
4. Class-Based Thinking and Disregard for Individual Differences
Class-based thinking, which ranks people based on generalized social hierarchies, disregards individual uniqueness. This mindset is prevalent among Iranians, both within and outside Iran, and leads to detrimental behaviors, such as:
4.1 Educational and Career Choices: Iranians often choose fields of study or careers based on societal prestige rather than personal aptitude, leading to dissatisfaction.
4.2 Residential Choices: Choices are often based on perceived social status rather than individual needs and preferences, resulting in dense population clusters in certain parts of Tehran or in foreign countries.
4.3 Credentialism: Iranians take pride in advanced degrees as a measure of success, sometimes overlooking the value of practical experience or entrepreneurial spirit. This excessive focus on formal education often leads to misplaced pride and unrealized potential.
4.4 Racism: Racism, where individuals view certain ethnic groups as inferior, is common among Iranians, leading to biases against other ethnicities, including Afghans and other minorities in Iran. Such attitudes only divide society and weaken the collective identity.
5. Rule of Law
Unlike modern societies, many Iranians lack a strong sense of respect for laws, seeing them as optional guidelines rather than essential structures for societal well-being. This is a legacy of an incomplete embrace of modernity and a disregard for laws as moral guidelines that restrain selfishness and promote social harmony.
For example:
5.1 Traffic Laws: Disregard for traffic laws in Iran is widespread, leading to one of the highest accident rates globally.
5.2 Economic Laws: Many Iranians evade taxes, a reflection of weak fiscal policies and poor civic responsibility.
In conclusion, the issues presented here do not cover all cultural problems but represent a significant portion. The first step in solving any problem is recognizing it. As we gradually address these cultural issues, we can make a real difference in our lives and in our communities, building a new, revitalized identity for Iranians.
Written on November 17, 2015
Ehsan Tarinia – Luxembourg