Contemporary Political Studies

Contemporary Political Studies

The Impact of Class Origins of Party Members on Policy-Making: Developing a Model Based on Bourdieu's Capital Theory

Document Type : .

Authors
1 PhD Student, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.30465/cps.2025.51573.3543
Abstract
The present study aims to develop a theoretical framework for analyzing how the class origins of key members of political parties influence the policymaking processes of parties in Iran. The central question of this article revolves around understanding the complex mechanisms of this influence and proposing a systematic theoretical framework for its structured study. To this end, Bourdieu’s sociological theory—particularly the concepts of capital in its various forms, the "political field" as a structured arena of party action, and "class habitus" as the primary mediator of class-origin influence—is utilized. The research methodology is based on theoretical analysis, employing Bourdieu’s concepts to design a conceptual model informed by prior studies and theoretical frameworks. In developing this model, special attention is given to adapting it to the unique characteristics of Iranian society, composite capital profiles of party members, and the fluidity of class boundaries. The study emphasizes the need for mixed-methods data collection and analysis to enable comprehensive empirical examination of the issue’s multifaceted dimensions. The final theoretical model, by presenting a coherent conceptual framework and precise methodology, represents a step toward advancing research on class origins in the fields of political science and political sociology in Iran. It also lays the groundwork for empirical studies and deeper analyses of the dynamics of the political arena and the roots of social inequalities in Iranian society.
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