Abstract

Ethnic Plurality is among important features of Iranian identity. Before the (1979) Islamic Revolution, a solution to the problem of ethnic Plurality towards accomplishing an integrated national identity was sought by relying on identity policies originating from the imperative Reza Khan-style pseudo-modern process. However, in a cultural turn after the Islamic Revolution, identity policies were mainly focused on indigenous values. On this basis, various cultural policies have been adopted and implemented in line with construction of an integrated national identity. With regard to the importance of type of individuals’ cultural consumption in specifying their identity attachment, this paper evaluates the cultural policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran by using some data on musical consumption (as an example of cultural consumption) of various ethnic groups and their success or failure in constructing national identity. The data of this research belongs to survey of a plan conducted in 1388 (2009 – 2010) to examine and measure the country’s public cultural indexes. After examining the data it was concluded that with due regard to the meaningful tendency of various ethnic groups towards consumption of musical Genres belonging to the official culture, the cultural policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in constructing national identity have been successful and have created a sense of attachment to elements of national culture in various ethnic groups.

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