The Bottlenecks of Social Development among the Marginalized Residents (An Empirical Analysis of the Causal and Background Conditions Among Marginalized Residents in Pak-Dasht and Qiyam-Dasht: A Data-Based Study)

In contemporary society, marginalization has emerged as a significant social issue, imposing formidable barriers to social development. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the causal and contextual factors contributing to the stagnation of social development among marginalized residents of Pakdasht and Qiyam-Dasht. The study population consists of individuals residing in the marginalized areas of Pakdasht and Qiyam-Dasht, who were purposively and theoretically sampled. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 38 residents from these areas, with the criterion of theoretical saturation determining the termination of interviews. The data analysis followed the grounded theory method, employing the Straussian approach. The research findings reveal the causal conditions for the suspension of social development, including mutual irreversibility, transient and instrumental actions, weak self-concept, intergenerational perpetuation of poverty, and limited access to resources. Furthermore, the grounds contributing to the stagnation of social development manifest through categories such as divergent roles, gaps in social awareness, inadequate resource availability and reference groups, erosion of family boundaries, and institutional distrust. The outcomes illuminate that the mosaic structure of these regions has been shaped by ethnic conflicts and identity clashes. The dominance of ethnic pursuits, stemming from these conflicts and regressive ideologies, has hindered societal convergence. Furthermore, identity conflicts, exacerbated by profound inequalities, have impeded the adaptation of these ethnic groups to the modern world, particularly in the context of Tehran. Consequently, individuals in these areas tend to engage in transient and utilitarian actions, limiting the establishment of sustainable social interactions and impeding social development.