Social Classes and Political Development in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The present study aims to explain the process of political development in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the role of social classes in this process. In particular¡ the role of middle class in the developmental process is examined. In providing answer to the role of middle class as pioneering force in the political development a descriptive-analytical method was employed as the tool of analysis. Theoretical framework for class analysis is based on the opinions of modernization scholars. The status of middle class is taken as independent variable and political development as dependent variable.