Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Allameh Tabataba'i University

Abstract

Considering the close relationship between social policies and the increase or decrease of social cohesion, this article seeks to answer the question of what relationship (increasing and positive or erosive and negative) the policy of targeting subsidies can have with social cohesion in Iran? For this purpose, the opinions of citizens on the Instagram social network (April 2017 to the end of August 2023) as well as the published opinions of experts in this field have been analyzed. Sampling of Instagram data was multi-stage. Also, experts' opinions (189 sources including articles, interviews, media meetings and newspaper notes) have been counted and analyzed in this regard. Based on the theoretical implications of the research and the qualitative analysis of the opinions of the users of, as well as the views of experts, the following themes were reached: "short-term policymaking", "state-nation conflict", "supporting the policy", "subsidies' ineffectiveness" and "dual interpretation of fair distribution". Also, a three-dimensional model of social cohesion in relation to the policy of targeting subsidies (including "vertical trust", "inequality assumption" and "social polarization") was presented. According to this research, although selective cash support at the beginning of the introduction and implementation of the policy, increases trust and improves the relationship between the government and the nation, it causes discrimination, protest, tension and, as a result, a decrease in social cohesion.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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