Globalization and Ethnic Pluralism in Iran,challenges and oppertunities

Globalization process has affected different dimensions of modern life. Globalization with its free flow of information and communications, and changes in interactions and relations from micro to macro levels, has created challenges and opportunities for the global community. Globalization theories have undergone a paradigm shift and moved towards glocalization. In this new paradigm, accepting the pluralistic model is considered as the main axis in understanding and analyzing the interlinking caused by globalization. Like other fields, in the field of ethnic groups, globalization process can have diverse and sometimes conflicting impacts on ethnic groups. Some experts believe in incorporation and even permutation of subcultures and ethnic, local, and national identities in the dominant global culture, while other scholars believe that globalization boosts ethnic, local and national tendencies and orientations. Globalization process accepts pluralism in all aspects and by accepting this principle, cultural and social pluralism is capable of solving possible problems and challenges in the field of ethnic groups. Accordingly, this paper attempts to address this concern by studying the two models of assimilation and pluralism. The main hypothesis of the study is that pluralism, as one of the major components in the symmetric and comprehensive development, is the most practical model for convergence and solidarity of ethnic groups and religious minorities in Iran.