Sajede Moghadami

Institute

University of Tehran (UT, Iran)

Research Cluster

1 - Partnerships in Development Cooperation - Access to Development Cooperation for Marginalized Groups

Supervisor

Dr. Yones Nourdakh

PhD Project Title

A sociological study of  the role of faith-based organizations and grassroots groups in rural development (with emphasis on structure, plan, policy)

Abstract

The fight against poverty and the pursuit of justice have always been a concern for humanity. This concern has been present throughout history. With the outbreak of the Islamic Revolution and the emergence of new concepts in the realm of justice, the revolutionary forces turned their attention to combating poverty in all sectors of society. These forces, which sought to create a just society with a revolutionary spirit and based on their faith and convictions, began to take shape in the cities and especially in the disadvantaged villages. Some forty years after the Revolution, we can still see the traces of the revolutionary forces from the early days of the Revolution and even from the war years. These faith-based forces strive to establish justice in their society by providing free services and performing good deeds in disadvantaged urban and rural areas without receiving payment or benefits in return. According to scientific findings, this type of service represents an alternative approach to combating poverty in disadvantaged areas. This distinction manifests itself in several ways: The service providers not only seek to eliminate deprivation but also strive for spiritual gain through their service. In addition to a belief in the spiritual dimension, a firm belief in revolutionary and voluntary action is one of the fundamental pillars of these groups.

Accordingly, the connection between faith as an expression of religion and poverty alleviation as an expression of development can be seen in the activities of these groups, and since poverty is often concentrated in rural areas, the advantages and disadvantages of this connection can be assessed at the village level. On this basis, faith-based groups that volunteer to combat poverty in rural areas can be defined as faith-based community groups and (with some leniency) perhaps also as non-governmental organizations. Although these groups are funded from state and sometimes non-state sources, they also bring benefits to the community through non-governmental organizations.

In fact, it can be said that the effectiveness of religious groups in rural development is one of the central themes for the researcher. For, in accordance with the religious context of Iranian society, religion can fulfill many functions in development. Currently, however, religious groups such as these constructive groups in Iran are active in a variety of ways in the field of rural poverty alleviation. Accordingly, the research problem is the sociological investigation of religious organizations and grassroots groups in the fight against rural poverty. This research aims to confirm and demonstrate the reduction of rural poverty as an example of the presence of religion in rural development.

Research Objectives:

  • Sociological investigation of the role of religious organizations and grassroots groups in rural poverty alleviation
  • An examination of the positive and negative impacts of religion on rural development in Iran
  • Review of poverty alleviation measures and shortcomings among religious groups
  • Critical examination of the activities of religious groups in the field of poverty alleviation in Iran

Educational Background

Work experience

  • September 2019 – present: Research Assistant to Dr. Norbakhsh (Professor at the University of Tehran and Director of the UNESCO Chair in Social Health and Development at the University of Tehran), part-time, Tehran, Iran.
  • December 2019 – present: Board member of the UNESCO Chair in Social Health and Development at the University of Tehran, part-time, Tehran, Iran.
  • August 2020 – April 2021: Cultural advisor and researcher at the Emdad Committee (which is responsible for the poor, women, indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities), part-time, Tehran, Iran.
  • December 2019 – March 2021: Workshop leader for social health and development at the University of Tehran, part-time, Tehran, Iran.
  • April 2019 – August 2021: Teacher at Hafezan Vahy Secondary and High School, part-time, Tehran, Iran.
  • 2018: Writer and translator in the culture and intellectual affairs section at the Fars News Agency, part-time, Tehran, Iran.
  • 2012–2014: Writer at the SNN News Agency, part-time, Tehran, Iran.

Social/Political Engagement

  • Active member of the women's group at the UNESCO Chair in Social Health and Development at the University of Tehran

Publications

Contact