Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

The Lived World of the Individual in the Post-Hegemonic Era of Tradition: a Qualitative Study on the Fluidity of Human Relations among Tehranian Youth

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Yasin Khoranpour 1
Mehraban Parsamehr 2
Ali Ruhani 3
Sayed Mohsen Mousavi 4
1 PhD student in the study of Iranian social issues, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Development Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Cooperatives and Social Welfare, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran
10.22055/qjsd.2026.49617.3064
Abstract
Recent shifts in attitudes and values within Iranian society have led to transformations in social structures, resulting in changes in the understanding of human relations. These changes, especially among the youth, have challenged traditional frameworks such as marriage and family, leading to a rethinking of human interactions and relationships based on modern individualism. The findings of the study, derived from 10 main categories and a core category titled "Post-Hegemony: The Process of Collapse of Hegemonic Structures and the Birth of the Individual’s Lived World," were presented in a narrative storyline. The results indicate that the lived world of youth in Tehran is shaped around individualism and fluid agreements, challenging traditional frameworks such as marriage and family. These transformations are accompanied by consequences, including a decrease in individuals' dependence on institutional structures, independence and individuality in relationships, as well as emotional instability and fragility in relations. Furthermore, the commodification of relationships and social resistance to conditions have become underlying factors in the formation of such individual lived-world models. This research highlights the transition of society into a post-hegemonic era of tradition, where traditional values decline and are partially replaced by modern values. The findings emphasize the need for a rethinking of policies and education related to human relationships.
Keywords
Fluidity of Relations
Individual Lived World
Post-Hegemony
Youth
Tehran
Subjects
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Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)
Volume 20, Issue 3 - Serial Number 79
Vol. 20, No. 3, Spring 2026
Spring 2026
Pages 101-126