The Role of the Private Sector in the Development of Education in Iran (Case Study: the City of Sabzevar)

Narenji Sani, Azadeh; Mahmoodzadeh, Aliakbar; Imanian Ardebili, Masoud

doi:10.22055/qjsd.2026.46898.2951

The Role of the Private Sector in the Development of Education in Iran (Case Study: the City of Sabzevar)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Azadeh Narenji Sani ¹

Aliakbar Mahmoodzadeh ²

Masoud Imanian Ardebili ³

¹ PhD student, Department of Sociology, Qochan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qochan, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Shirvan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shirvan, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Qochan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qochan, Iran

10.22055/qjsd.2026.46898.2951

Abstract

Privatization entails mobilizing additional resources for education, ensuring the efficient use of these resources, and fostering greater flexibility in the delivery of educational services. The present study aimed to examine the trend of private sector participation in the development of Iran's education system from the Islamic Revolution to the present, as well as the socio-economic factors influencing this participation; a case study of the education system in Sabzevar County was conducted. The research employed quantitative methods, including mean comparison tests (t-tests), analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Raw data obtained from the statistical population were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques and SPSS software. The statistical population consisted of all owners and shareholders of non-profit schools in Sabzevar County (totaling 125 individuals); given the small size of the population, a census method was used. The findings highlight the importance of considering various variables to enhance private sector participation in educational development. Statistical analyses and the confirmation of various hypotheses underscore the necessity of legal reforms, policy stability, and attention to socio-economic factors to attract private sector involvement. These results align with previous research, thereby reinforcing the validity of the findings. Consequently, it is recommended that policymakers and officials utilize these results to formulate and implement appropriate plans and strategies for increasing private sector participation.

Keywords

Participation Process

Private Sector

Development

Education

Socio-Economic Factors

Subjects