The Transformation of Social Movements in Iran from the Perspective of Conceptual History: A Study of the1396, 1398 and 1401 Events

The present study, premised on the transformations that have occurred in the nature of social movements and through a meticulous examination of key events in the years 1396, 1398, and 1401, focuses on the question of whether social movements in Iran have evolved, in alignment with global shifts, from classical patterns (characterized by centralized leadership, coherent ideology, and specific objectives) toward new social movements (marked by a plurality of subjects, absence of structure, and an emphasis on negating the existing status quo). If so, what configurations have these changes engendered? To achieve this, the research employs a conceptual history approach (inspired by Reinhart Koselleck) as its methodological framework, striving to describe and analyze conceptual shifts in key terms such as "social movement" within historical, social, and political contexts. Social movements in contemporary Iran, particularly in recent years, have acquired significant importance in comprehending socio-political transformations, as they signify paradigmatic shifts in collective action that can influence policy-making and social stability. These movements represent a multiplicity of micro-narratives that have emerged within the fluid political economy and accumulated dissatisfactions. Characteristics such as plurality in subjects, demands (ranging from economic to cultural and identity-based), political economy (with a focus on middle poor classes and marginalized populations), the absence of centralized leadership and organization, and an emphasis on negative nodal points (negating the "big other"), evince a profound paradigmatic shift toward new social movements. These developments not only underscore the necessity for rethinking traditional analyses but also, for understanding future movements, necessitate attention to fluidity, plurality, and the role of virtual spaces, which can contribute to more inclusive policy-making and a more precise comprehension of social dissatisfactions and emerging subjects.