Constructing modernity in Iran: an attempt to formulate a theoretical apparatus

This paper is an attempt to suggest an alternative theoretical apparatus for sociological analysis of modernity in Iran. The sociological analysis of modernity in Iran often has based on presuppositions of classical sociology and Modernization theory. The evolutional approach of these theories prevents the achievement of adequate explanations for modernity in Iran. Multiple Modernities approach has presented an analytical framework for crossing the limits of Modernization theory in the analysis of modernity, but also this approach suffers from some ambiguities and shortcomings: scrutiny of S. N. Eisenstadt’s theory of Multiple Modernities shows his ignorance of the impact of imperialism, colonialism and otherness processes in the extension of modernity from European countries to other parts of the world. The role of creative agency in the development of modernity in non-western societies is also underestimated in his work. Another problem in his theory is related to the level and the units of analysis. Regarding above issues, this paper tries to move forward from the theory of Multiple Modernities and suggests a multi-level theoretical apparatus for the analysis of modernity in Iran. This theoretical apparatus analyzes modernity in five levels contains world system, colonial confrontation, societal modernity, modern social movements and modern agency.​