Journal of University Studies

Journal of University Studies

From the 1979 Revolution to the Cultural Revolution: The genealogy of events and forces

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author
Ph.D. in Sociology, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The study intends to show the formation of the Cultural Revolution in Iran, which is commonly believed to be the continuation of the natural process and an outcome of the victory of 1979 Islamic revolution. Taking into account this idea, and expanding it further, the paper examines how it was possible historically and how those behind the Cultural Revolution could make the arrangement. In other words, what developments and events could shape the forces behind the Cultural Revolution? Asking this type of question makes a moment of history important, as it was often ignored under the macro and homogenized narrative of the dominant historiography in universities after the 1979 revolution. This momentary knowledge is important from different angles:  First, it overturns many common perceptions about the university after the revolution. Second: it traces the genealogy of the current order that has its sway over the university atmosphere. Third, it reviews the emergence of the Cultural Revolution in relation to events of that particular time and space.  To study this issue, Foucault's historical analysis or genealogy has been used. Genealogy concentrates on questions related to the present time, i.e. showing how the phenomenon emerged in its socio-historical environment, how did it work and what was made possible and impossible with its action? Results do not show any correlation between the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the Cultural Revolution of June1981. A real event that led to the closure of all universities just 15 months after the revolution was the result of a series of historical events. In the absence of those events, the Cultural Revolution couldn’t occur or possibly could have happened in a different way. Universities in their shape and form we see today were subject to the outcome of forces of uncertain ratio and fragile period of history rather than being influenced by general wisdom, specific human resources, unique aim and predetermined necessities.
Keywords

Subjects


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Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
Winter 2023
Winter 2023
Pages 135-167

  • Receive Date 01 August 2022
  • Revise Date 06 November 2022
  • Accept Date 21 November 2022