The Social Construction of National Solidarity from the Perspective of Baloch Women, Qualitative Stadu among Literate Women in Zahedan

Aarabi, Faezeh; Kalateh Sadati, احمد; Farahmand, Mahnaz; ZareShahabadi, Akbar

doi:10.22108/jas.2025.146265.2689

The Social Construction of National Solidarity from the Perspective of Baloch Women, Qualitative Stadu among Literate Women in Zahedan

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, IRan

² Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

³ Department of sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

10.22108/jas.2025.146265.2689

Abstract

National solidarity is not merely the result of elite consensus, legislation, or political mechanisms; rather, it is fundamentally rooted in the collective unconscious, cultural memes, and the lived social experiences of citizens. Given the significance of national solidarity in Iranian society—with its ethnic diversity—and the role of women as key social actors, the present study seeks to explore and analyze the experiences and perceptions of Baloch women regarding this concept. Conducted in Zahedan in 2025, this qualitative research involved 28 Baloch women who participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed a deep emotional attachment to the notion of homeland among participants; however, their perceptions and experiences of social injustice led them to interpret national solidarity through the lens of justice. The concept of solidarity was metaphorically represented by the image of a “Balochi carpet.” Four key themes emerged: interwoven Iranian identity, inclusive justice, responsible governance, and loyal agency. These findings suggest that the structural phenomenon of national solidarity is grounded in a historical-cultural context centered on inclusive justice, offering a vision for strengthening social unity and renewing governance structures. Moreover, solidarity is shaped by human interactions, perceptions, intentions, and loyal social agency. This conceptual synthesis provides a practical foundation for policymaking aimed at promoting social justice, public trust, and ultimately, social capital.

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