ABOUT THE BOOK 

It goes without saying that cultivation of the soil, growing and harvesting crops, and breeding and raising livestock, dairying, and forestry, all in all, are among the major signs of a rural society. In other words, agriculture is the major occupation of the rural society.

Although agriculture historically was the most important sector of Iran’s economy, its share of the gross domestic product (GDP) has been declining since the 1930s due to the rise of manufacturing.

Iran’s agricultural sector contributed 12 percent of the GDP in 2002 and employed 23 percent (1996) of the labor force. Unfortunately, the total agricultural production fails to meet domestic food requirements, making substantial imports necessary.

As a matter of fact, a major blow to the agricultural set up of Iran was the dictated policy of Land Reforms which was executed by Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. Since then agriculture failed to stand on its own feet, and hence gradually it began to produce its direct or indirect effects not only over the Iranian rural society rather on the entire economy.

This book deals with a brief outline of Iran's Rural Sociology. It is classified into sixteen headings which discusses the following issues in brief.

Firstly, it explains a short history about the emergence of rural sociology as a discipline. It defines rural sociology, its relation with other disciplines, and its emergence in Iran as a field of study. The booklet also focuses on the aims and objectives of rural sociology and the role of rural sociologists.

Secondly, it describes different rural classes and social groups in Iran, as well as, explains the characteristics of rural family and the role of rural man and woman within the family. It also touches upon the issue of rural social norms and social institutions such as marriage and polygamy. The role of rural people in the contemporary history of Iran, as well as, their typical culture is also taken into account.

Thirdly, what are the roots and causes of land reforms in Iran and how was the situation within the rural society of Iran before and after the land reforms till the Islamic revolution of 1979. It also explains land reforms policy in post-Islamic revolution.

Fourthly, the booklet highlights some major problems of the Iranian rural society such as poverty which is a major social matter in Iran, though the government provides low-income families with various subsidies for food, fuel, and utilities. Or for instance, health care services which remain inadequate in rural areas.

Finally, it gives a number of suggestions to overcome the problems related to the rural society of Iran. 

Ahmad Reza Taheri

Published in December 2008

Pune – India

www.ahmadrezataheri.org