University of Isfahan Journal of Applied Sociology 2008-5745 37 1 2026 03 21 Social Construction of National Identity:A Data-Based Study of the Conflict between Ethnic and National Identities of the Arabs of Khuzestan Social Construction of National Identity:A Data-Based Study of the Conflict between Ethnic and National Identities of the Arabs of Khuzestan 39 70 29822 10.22108/jas.2025.145550.2656 FA Narges Khoshkalam Ph.D. in Sociology and a post-doctoral researcher, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Abdolreza Navah Associate professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Journal Article 2025 06 07 Introduction The study of the relationship between ethnic and national identities in today's world is of significant interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers. Ethnocentrism remains a critical social issue in multi-ethnic countries. Among the various ethnic groups in Iran, the Arab community frequently exemplifies the conflict between ethnic and national identities. The sporadic emergence of extremist terrorist groups in Khuzestan, along with the resulting events, underscores the relevance of this issue. The conflict between ethnic and national identities is ultimately a subjective phenomenon that exists "in the minds" of individuals. Therefore, addressing this problem requires an analysis of how individuals perceive these identities, which is essential for understanding the underlying causes of ethnic and national identity conflicts, as well as the reactions of the involved parties. Given the importance of this issue in undermining national unity and security, as well as threatening Iran's territorial integrity and the geopolitical stability of Khuzestan Province, several critical questions arise: What are the causes of the emergence of this phenomenon among the Arabs of Khuzestan? What are the resultant consequences? What strategies have the involved parties adopted in response to this phenomenon? And what factors and conditions are those strategies influenced by? Materials & Methods The present study employed a grounded theory approach, reflecting the qualitative nature of its research questions. In this methodology, concepts and categories were derived from interviews and organized into a paradigmatic model through 3 stages: open, axial, and selective coding. Our aim was to conduct a sociological analysis of the issue at hand. Using the qualitative grounded theory method, this study examined the process of social construction of national identity among the Arabs of Khuzestan. Sampling was conducted through purposive methods with data collection achieved via in-depth interviews until theoretical saturation was reached, thus resulting in a total of 30 interviews. The coding process proceeded as follows: After each interview was transcribed, open coding was performed to identify the main categories. During this phase, the interview texts were segmented into sentences, generating 563 primary raw codes. These primary codes were then refined into 392 secondary codes, which were grouped into related conceptual codes or concepts, resulting in 66 distinct concepts. By clustering several related concepts, we formed 29 subcategories, which were subsequently organized into 14 main categories through further categorization of related subcategories. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings indicated that the phenomenon of "identity conflict" had arisen from several causal conditions: 1) racial-ethnic distinctions, 2) historical-cultural conflicts, 3) economic and climatic deprivation, and 4) socio-political exclusion. In response, various actors had engaged in the social construction of national identity. This strategy was shaped by the following background conditions: 1) demographic characteristics, 2) socio-economic foundations, and 3) proximity to other groups. Additionally, intervening conditions included: 1) social pluralism, 2) cultural convergence, and 3) experiences of patriotic disasters. The consequences of these dynamics were twofold: social cohesion (national unity) and political cohesion (national security). In general, the creation of a national identity could occur through two pathways: political and social. The social approach developed by grassroots activists at the micro level proved to be more effective in sustaining national security. Ultimately, the resolution of the identity conflict stemmed from the social construction of national identity by these actors rather than from the political identity constructed by the state. In essence, the grassroots social strategies employed by individuals to foster national identity had demonstrated greater effectiveness than the broader political strategies implemented by the government. Introduction The study of the relationship between ethnic and national identities in today's world is of significant interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers. Ethnocentrism remains a critical social issue in multi-ethnic countries. Among the various ethnic groups in Iran, the Arab community frequently exemplifies the conflict between ethnic and national identities. The sporadic emergence of extremist terrorist groups in Khuzestan, along with the resulting events, underscores the relevance of this issue. The conflict between ethnic and national identities is ultimately a subjective phenomenon that exists "in the minds" of individuals. Therefore, addressing this problem requires an analysis of how individuals perceive these identities, which is essential for understanding the underlying causes of ethnic and national identity conflicts, as well as the reactions of the involved parties. Given the importance of this issue in undermining national unity and security, as well as threatening Iran's territorial integrity and the geopolitical stability of Khuzestan Province, several critical questions arise: What are the causes of the emergence of this phenomenon among the Arabs of Khuzestan? What are the resultant consequences? What strategies have the involved parties adopted in response to this phenomenon? And what factors and conditions are those strategies influenced by? Materials & Methods The present study employed a grounded theory approach, reflecting the qualitative nature of its research questions. In this methodology, concepts and categories were derived from interviews and organized into a paradigmatic model through 3 stages: open, axial, and selective coding. Our aim was to conduct a sociological analysis of the issue at hand. Using the qualitative grounded theory method, this study examined the process of social construction of national identity among the Arabs of Khuzestan. Sampling was conducted through purposive methods with data collection achieved via in-depth interviews until theoretical saturation was reached, thus resulting in a total of 30 interviews. The coding process proceeded as follows: After each interview was transcribed, open coding was performed to identify the main categories. During this phase, the interview texts were segmented into sentences, generating 563 primary raw codes. These primary codes were then refined into 392 secondary codes, which were grouped into related conceptual codes or concepts, resulting in 66 distinct concepts. By clustering several related concepts, we formed 29 subcategories, which were subsequently organized into 14 main categories through further categorization of related subcategories. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings indicated that the phenomenon of "identity conflict" had arisen from several causal conditions: 1) racial-ethnic distinctions, 2) historical-cultural conflicts, 3) economic and climatic deprivation, and 4) socio-political exclusion. In response, various actors had engaged in the social construction of national identity. This strategy was shaped by the following background conditions: 1) demographic characteristics, 2) socio-economic foundations, and 3) proximity to other groups. Additionally, intervening conditions included: 1) social pluralism, 2) cultural convergence, and 3) experiences of patriotic disasters. The consequences of these dynamics were twofold: social cohesion (national unity) and political cohesion (national security). In general, the creation of a national identity could occur through two pathways: political and social. The social approach developed by grassroots activists at the micro level proved to be more effective in sustaining national security. Ultimately, the resolution of the identity conflict stemmed from the social construction of national identity by these actors rather than from the political identity constructed by the state. In essence, the grassroots social strategies employed by individuals to foster national identity had demonstrated greater effectiveness than the broader political strategies implemented by the government.

https://jas.ui.ac.ir/article_29822_13803341dd49e4f3cdf765ded5f23c76.pdf