T. Azadarmaki; A. Janadeleh
Volume 15, Issue 3 , September 2013, , Pages 29-64
Abstract
The dominant theoretical approach in historical sociology of Iran- regarding the
image of Iranian society in which the absolute power and despotism prevented
the development of associations, guilds, social classes or entirely any
independent forces- inevitably has led to the "absence of society" as ...
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The dominant theoretical approach in historical sociology of Iran- regarding the
image of Iranian society in which the absolute power and despotism prevented
the development of associations, guilds, social classes or entirely any
independent forces- inevitably has led to the "absence of society" as "social
forces" that had an effective role in the development of Iranian society. Using
the historical institutionalism approach, this article provides an alternative
narrative of the traditional Iranian society that acknowledges the role of the
multiple social forces, institutions and agencies. According to this alternative
narrative, the institutional configuration of the Qajar era, was based on a
complex network of interactions between the four main institutions of central
government, the clergy, tribes and market, resulting in relatively stable
institutional balance between the institutions. This institutional balance is not
based on the domination of one institution to the others but it is based on the
balance of power between those institutions .This institutional balance, rooted in
the formation of Safavid government which itself was a combination of tribal
forces and ideological power.
