Sociological Analysis of Arguments against Mirza Hussein Khan Sepahsalar's Reform: A Rational Choice Approach

Document Type : Scientific-Research

Authors

University of Tehran

Abstract
In this article, we studied one of the most important reform periods in Qajar Era (1785 -1925). Analyzing the arguments of cons during the reforms of Sepahsalar (the prime minister of Naser al-Din Shah), we used a Rational Choice Theory and conducted a narrative analysis by dividing the internal oppositions to three groups: clergymen, courtiers, and government officials. Analyzing the arguments of these groups, the common arguments include "Neglecting the opposition's position", "the financial performance of the reformists", and "endangerment of the kingdom of Nasser al-Din Shah". "Incompatible of reformist performances with Islam", "the financial corruption of the reformist", "the heirs of power's concern of losing the power", "the entrance of foreigners", "the loss of territorial integrity", "colonization of Iran", "neglecting the traditions", "the concern of cultural mixing" and "the personal manner of the reformist himself" are the arguments which the two groups had offered them. "Endangerment of the Imperial dynasty", "endangerment of the Monarchical system", "homeland security disturbance", "the reformist's political dependency on Russia and Britain", and "neglecting the citizen's right" are the arguments which were supported only by one of these opposition groups.

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Volume 11, Issue 1 - Serial Number 23
September 2014
Pages 75-101

  • Receive Date 14 November 2012
  • First Publish Date 23 August 2014
  • Publish Date 23 August 2014