International Journal of Research and Review www.ijrrjournal.com E-ISSN: 2349-9788; P-ISSN: 2454-2237

Review Article

From Modernization of Daniel Lerner (1950s) to Present Day Modernization of ,

Tahereh Yadegari

Anthropology Department, Hyderabad Central University, Hyderabad, India.

Received: 05/10//2014 Revised: 30/10/2014 Accepted: 05/11/2014

ABSTRACT

Modernization has currently become a global phenomenon that many countries cannot deny its influence from different angles on their societies. Among Middle East countries, Iran is known as one of the first countries to accept modernization to a considerable extent. The internal and external changes of Tehran, capital city of Iran, during last decades is something undeniable. It has been six decades since Daniel Lerner‟s article on the condition of the Persian elite in Tehran, “Toward a Communication Theory of Modernization; A Set of Considerations” influenced by the modernization of that era. Daniel Lerner was an American scholar who is known for his researches about modernization theory. In fact he provided a mere picture of the situation in 1950s, when the young and graduated people were not able to find an occupation relevant to their field of study or profession and therefore with the consequence of frustration and failure, most of them invested in film industry and mass media, high class careers of those days. According to Daniel Lerner, it was as a result of inadequate or uncertain tempo of Iranian modernization. This is a review article, inspired by Daniel Lerner‟s article, and aims to provide a comparative view and express how the current modernization is different from that of 1950s and finally to consider its vast consequences on various layers of the society- particularly Tehran. Data used in this analysis is based on every 10 year national census and also surveys conducted in Iran.

Key words: Modernization, Growth, Urbanization, Metropolitan, Population, Mobility, immigration.

INTRODUCTION economy, demography, technology, To understand the impact of education, media, and immigration to the modernization, we need to see the major capital city of Tehran inspired by the changes of Iranian society from different phenomenon of modernization. aspects as it stems from a multitude of The Portion of Modernization during reasons influenced by modernity such as rapid urbanization, physical mobility, better The first Pahlavi flourished from access to education etc. In fact Iran has been 1925 and lasted till 1941. Many reforms, one of those with suitable ground to inspired by modernization, under both Reza welcome modernity and great mobility and his son, Mohammad Reza Shah among Middle East countries so that we (1941-1979) took place, such as secularizing have to consider different issues of the education and legal systems, unveiling

International Journal of Research & Review (www.gkpublication.in) 22 Vol.1; Issue: 3; November 2014 women, allowing co-educational stood as the first one in this category with universities, establishment of The University the total population of 12,183,391 and 2,640 of Tehran (1934), railway expansion, households. There is a remarkable increase eradication of malaria, creation of in the population from 18,954,704 with schoolbooks, creation of birth certificates urbanization ratio of 31.4% in 1956 to for all Iranians etc. Modernization reforms 75,149,669, with urbanization ratio of 71% under Mohammad Reza Shah attempted to in 2011 (SCI). In fact is limit the influence of the Islamic clergies in divided into eight townships. They are; education and politics. For example, the Tehran, Damavand, , Islamshar, shah established theological schools in state Karaj, , shahre-Rey and universities in order to counteract the Savejboolagh. Recently, Karaj and influence of the Ulema's religious teachings. Savejboolagh separated from Tehran and In addition, the growing signs of Western have become as independent regions lifestyle, such as drinking and gambling, (Asgharpour, Zanjani, Taleghani, 2013). The revealing women's clothing, and provocative growth of population in Tehran since 1930- films, linked Westernization to Iranian 2011- from first Pahlavi dynasty till current culture and lifestyle. In 1979 tensions government of Islamic Republic of Iran- is resulted in Islamic Revolution, which shown in the following table. transformed Iran from a monarchy to an Table 1-1: Population of Tehran from 1930-2011 Islamic republic. Year Government Population The upper class of Iran, prior to 1930 First Pahlavi 250,000 1940 First Pahlavi 540,087 1978, was affected by the modernization 1956 Second Pahlavi 1,560,934 policies implemented by the regime. The 1966 Second Pahlavi 2,719,730 1976 Second Pahlavi 4,530,223 traditional and non-traditional elite of the 1986 Islamic Republic of Iran 6,057,207 upper class existed prior to social changes 1996 Islamic Republic of Iran 6,758,845 and modifications to Iran's social 2006 Islamic Republic of Iran 7,711,230 2011 Islamic Republic of Iran 12,183,391 institutions, however, the mobility did not confine only to the elites but also social Tehran had the literacy rate of 92.4 mobility developed upward for members of in 2011 (SCI). Although during 1990s lower classes, such as bankers, young couples were learning to have only industrialists, army generals and cabinet two children- through some national family ministers. planning programs conducted by the The Population Growth and Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Modernization Process today the population of those graduated and On the principle that “the bigger the potential candidates due to external factors city, the faster its growth” it was mainly has increased to a great extent. Tehran that experienced the most increases In fact rapid growth of Tehran in population and concomitant expansion of population is due to many social and their urban boundaries. economic problems that governmental According to Statistical Centre of authorities, urban planners and Iran (SCI), city is defined as “each demographers could apply new and effective geographic locality that has a strategies for controlling of population municipality”. In the National Population increase before it reaches to a critical stage and Housing Census in 2011- the last (Asgharpour, Zanjani, Taleghani, 2013). conducted census- eight cities had Environmental consultant of Tehran population of over one million that Tehran International Journal of Research & Review (www.gkpublication.in) 23 Vol.1; Issue: 3; November 2014

Municipality has stated that Tehran’s most gap with developed countries. Currently, important predicament is overpopulation. there are 1,795 higher education institutes in Tehran has an ecological capacity for three Iran. There are 1,200 public universities, million residents but now about ten million which are financed, controlled and people are living in the metropolis. Tehran's supported by the government. However, population is several times higher than its there are also 595 private often called “free urban ecological capacity, resulting in universities” and non-profit institutions ailments amongst the residents arising from active in providing training at undergraduate the pollution. According to The head of and graduate levels (Karimi, Chizari, Harm Tehran Municipality's Environment and J.A. Biemans, Mulder, 2010). Perhaps one Sustainable Development Office, Tehran has of the greatest signals of modernist a capacity for 700,000 cars but currently transformation in Iran and mostly in Tehran more than 3 million cars are on the roads in is the reflection of this educated and the capital. Population concentration should urbanized youth. be reduced in Tehran and people should be Nowadays employment stands as encouraged to move to other centers with another effective factor for the tendency of enough capacity and infrastructure. the young to gain higher degrees. According to the Head of Tehran Governmental organizations and offices Municipality‟s Environment and Sustainable offer considerably but less job opportunities Development Office it is not valid to say that with an almost adequate salary to those with "tomorrow a group of people should go out higher degrees (Master’s & PhDs), which of Tehran", noting… the process needs a accordingly brings about competitive ten-year period. atmosphere and relationship among the Education & Employment Factors and candidates and employees. In one hand the the Impact of Modernity huge number of qualified candidates looking It is said that education is very for a job and on the other hand less job influential and an important factor in the opportunities resulted in more way of society beings and development. unemployment of numerous qualified Influenced by modernity and more number candidates. of universities in the capital city of Tehran, Inspired by the modernity, families most of the graduated people go for higher help and send their children to universities studies of post graduation and PhD so that to gain higher educational degrees, holding a consequently leads to increased numbers of type of high or better class among the masters degree holders. In 2011 the number population but after completion of studies of people with theological and higher and due to failure in finding a proper job, education in different fields of study was not only the children but also their parents 10,498,675 that actually in compare with become depressed. Due to frustration among total population of Tehran is a remarkable them, same as 1950s and even with much number. higher rates than 1950s; they try to solve Higher , like any their financial problems by going to new, other countries is considered to be very seasonal or innovative jobs. important in all aspects. It is responsible for Nowadays Unemployment has developing a scientific base to achieve a reached a critical level not only in Tehran dynamic economic status, which relies on but in Iran. The Statistical Center of Iran has knowledge and the promotion of scientific announced that the average unemployment advancements and bridging the scientific rate for the past Iranian year hit 10.4 International Journal of Research & Review (www.gkpublication.in) 24 Vol.1; Issue: 3; November 2014 percent. According to Iranian Finance and Reza Shah initiated a rapid and Economic Affairs Minister Ali Tayyebnia, to irrevocable process of change that began in make the situation better, Iran must create the public domain at the city scale and 8.5 million new jobs in the next two years, filtered into the private domain of the house. therefore there is a tendency or a kind of A grid of wide boulevards, traffic circles, challenge in directing human capital toward and planned public spaces were private sector which is as a result of superimposed on the traditional city. The structural unemployment that has been public building program enabled a first referred to a lack or mismatch of skills generation of Iranian architects to define a presented to the labour market (Nils Ivar modern profession and, ultimately, to Lahlum, 2007). expand beyond the symbolic, monumental The rate of university graduates in requirements of state architecture. In Tehran has rocketed during the recent years. Tehran's private architecture both Iranian Statistically, number of students has and foreign architects found their most increased from 175,600 in 1979- since creative expression. Original surveys of revolution of Iran- to 2,146,895 in 2004 and traditional Iranian courtyard houses and 3,400,000 in 2007 (Memariani, 2008). These mid-twentieth century row houses, group of educated people based on universal apartments and villas demonstrated the criteria and knowledge, have created a new many ways in which architects integrated class and social ecology in Tehran who are traditional and modern features into new familiar with Western life style and housing forms (Ma’refat, 1988). There were ideology. Therefore, teachings of this group two features in Reza Shah’s efforts for the influence their life style. modernization of Iran related to architectural Industrial & Economical Growth construction of the period. One was his Influenced by Modernization reference to the country’s ancient history Throughout 20th century, carpet and the other was his desire to adopt aspects manufacturing has been, from the point of of Western civilization in such a fashion that view of both native and foreign market Iran would become equal to the West. demand, by far the most important Persian During Reza shah, foreign and native industry after oil refining. Although it had architects designed new state institutions been to a large extent organized by foreign including ministries, banks, museums, capital in the 19th century, after World War I universities and schools. They introduced it was gradually taken over by Persian modern materials and a variety of forms entrepreneurs as a result of the Iranization incorporating both historical and modern policy instituted by Reza Shah. The carpet influences (Mina Ma’refat, 1988), but how market did remain largely geared to exports, is it nowadays? however, and therefore it was affected by Tehran has currently opened its gates worldwide economic cycles. for global investments. It has been the host Between 1921 and 1941, Reza Shah of many big international companies such as Pahlavi orchestrated the transformation of F.A.C, Hanswell, P.O.C, N.E.C, and had co- Tehran from a traditional Iranian Islamic operated with prestigious construction city into a modern capital. The urban grid, companies such as Perlit in building Tohid public spaces, state institutions and housing Tunnel and other projects. Increasing foreign typologies introduced during his reign investments up to $ 143,427,000 from 1993 permanently altered the character of Tehran to 2007 and achieving the 9th position in (Ma’refat, 1988). terms of foreign investment in Asia, show International Journal of Research & Review (www.gkpublication.in) 25 Vol.1; Issue: 3; November 2014 the economic progress in international scale. which was built before revolution but Even though a considerable part of these Tehran’s technological symbols are investments are in oil and gas industry, highways and . presence of many famous brands such as Nike, Adidas, Benton, Sony Ericson, Samsung etc are all symbols of economic growth and stabilizing this growth in recent years ( Mirgholami, 2011). Currently, more than half of Iran's industry and economy is based in Tehran. Industries include the manufacturing of automobiles, electronics and electrical equipment, military weaponry, textiles, sugar, cement, and chemical products. It is also a leading center for the sale of carpets and furniture. There is an oil refinery south of the city (Tehran Municipality Website). Construction of skyscrapers to create Figure 1-2: , completed in 1971 spatial contrast and in urban structures is another movement in recent transformation process of Tehran’s urban form.

Figure 1-3: Milad Tower, completed in 2007

The new urban settings that have come into existence since 1960s are entirely

Figure 1-1: Modernized city of Tehran dominated by Western-style architecture and infrastructural features. Department stores, Erecting towers such as ASP and cinemas, and various kinds of public Milad Communication Tower are evidences facilities have become typical, not only of of this new urban form (Mirgholami, 2011). the national metropolis and leading The height of Milad Tower is neither due to provincial centers but also of minor cities its communication or satellite role nor and towns. Such development enhanced the functional reasons but rather a symbolic and contrast between the older parts of the cities, iconic role in the urban landscape. A survey which were often economically and socially of 1,180 Tehrani citizens revealed that Azadi stagnant and modern, Western-style suburbs. Tower is the symbol of Tehran’s identity

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Immigration, a Symbol of Modernity and illegal migrations that must be Many of the migrants to Tehran are controlled by governmental authorities. those with the hope of gaining better life and Concentration of investments in Tehran has searching for a job even with least attracted the large numbers of migrants expectation so that they find themselves looking for employment (Asgharpour, satisfied with even low paid jobs just to Zanjani, Taleghani, 2013). fulfill the dream of being employed. It is clear that immigration plays an Sometimes they might not be with higher effective role on population growth rate and degrees but taking job opportunities and urbanization development. Actually there is chances of those residents of Tehran with mutual relation between urbanization and the same level of education, therefore one of population growth in the metropolitan city the main reasons of rapid growth of Tehran of Tehran. is based on immigration factor. In 2011, the Globalization & Urbanization and Social total number of immigration from village to Mobility cities was 3,259,040 with 14.9% of seeking Distribution of technology across for better work or transferring, 14% for Iran is another dimension of globalization education, 10.6% for getting better housing, process. Ownership of cell phones is higher 46.2% for accompanying household, and than land line phones. 15 millions cell phone 5.8% for serving military service (SCI). devices were sold in 2008 which has The Public Relations of General reached to 53 million now (Iranian Students Office of National Registration News agency, 2010. According to statistics Organization reported that during 1986- of the Ministry of Science, Research and 1996, five hundred sixty eight thousand Technology, the number of graduated people have migrated to Tehran from students in technologic majors in 2006 was different provinces of the country. Most 46,053, a manifestation of the tendencies for of them came to Tehran either looking for being global. Despite limitations in job or continuing their education. Tehran accessing Internet and its low speed, number city was considered the main migrant- of Internet users is about 24.5 millions receptive province comparing with other which is the highest number in the Middle provinces. It is said that over 67% of total East. Also, Tehran Municipality’s effort to migrants of country were attracted to this join ICT network is another evidence of city, so Tehran is known as the main technologic improvement in recent years. magnetic pole for migrants (Asgharpour, After experiencing modernization Zanjani, Taleghani, 2013). and its effects on urban forms, the recent Tehran is located in the main routes attempts of Tehran to represent its potentials of the Middle East countries connecting the in global system via constructing highways, east to the west and suitable climate, iconic building and focus on cultural and selection for capital has made many people financial aspects such as holding artistic and to be attracted to this city. Moreover, many scientific anniversaries show that they have migrants think that Tehran is an ideal city, the same international challenges of the utopia that they can access all urban developing countries during globalization. amenities and services without considering Initially, comparing Tehran with global the high cost of living conditions. Thus their cities such as New York, London or Tokyo expectations fail. They have to live on may seem uncommon but as the world is marginal areas. The expansion of marginal undergoing a process of mobility, Tehran areas of Tehran is the result of unrestrained cannot be an exception and is on a new International Journal of Research & Review (www.gkpublication.in) 27 Vol.1; Issue: 3; November 2014 direction varied from its previous the like, are as committed to fashion as they modernization stage (Mirgholami, 2011). ever were. Regardless of limitations Evolution of new urban phenomena such as imposed and due to modernization, Iranian electronic services, supporting the economic women and particularly Tehranis are in a privatization, defining new urban projects league of their own when it comes to style such as Virtual Tehran, dominance of and fashion interpretation (pinterest.com). shopping centers by international brands and As a result of modernization finally emergence of a new urban culture (Americanization), young women in Tehran, practiced by different classes all signify the some as young as 14, are having cosmetic entrance of Iran into a new phase distinctive surgery in the hope of attaining the from previous modernism (Mirgholami, Hollywood „doll face‟. Iran has been known 2011) so that great concentration and impact as the nose job capital of the world with of this modernization is seen in the seven times more operations carried out than metropolitan Tehran. Spread of Pop music, in America, despite the high cost of the Hollywood movies, TV shows, computer surgery that reaches to £1,100-£2,200. In games, fashion and tourism have led to Tehran there are only 157 licensed plastic another global consequence unprecedented surgeons but due to huge demand, there are in the history of mankind (Mirgholami, 7,000 unlicensed surgeons as well. 2011). Media impact on Modernization Women and Fashion, Before and Now On Media landscape, a vast amount On January 7th 1936 Reza shah of information is distributed via Medias such “declared the abolition of the veil and made as newspapers, magazines, TV programs, modern education available to women on a music etc. Despite resistance of public mass scale”. On that day, at the Teacher media against broadcasting foreign movies, Training College all female teachers had TV as the first communication tool, is the been invited to attend without their veils main medium through which global together with the ministers and generals. culture is transferred to homes. A vast Reza shah next to his unveiled wife and volume of global culture is transmitted daughters delivered a historic speech: via programs and soap operas such as “Ladies, know that this is a great day, use Friends, Lost, TV Shows such as Dallas etc. the opportunities which are now yours to Many people in Tehran have easy access to help the country advance.” satellite TV, Internet programs and This was part of a series of actions Hollywood movies now. Widespread use of taken by Reza shah in an effort to films, programs and foreign songs in "modernize" Iran, what about now? English language by Iranian society has Even though the current Iranian imported many terms into their everyday women must follow the rule and regulation conversations. Moreover, publication of of dressing set by the government, including English language newspapers has risen in the veil (hijab) and full body covering by recent years as 215 representatives of or mantou (different from Burqa), foreign Medias from 5 continents and 295 of they never sit back in fashion. foreign reporters are active in Iran now. Tehranis started making Cultural forces specially in religious areas, underground businesses out of importing which are top-down and implemented to fashion from Europe, Turkey, China and the combat the cultural invasion of the West, States. Today Iranians, especially those in are present everywhere in Tehran from larger cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and formal advertisement to green spaces, International Journal of Research & Review (www.gkpublication.in) 28 Vol.1; Issue: 3; November 2014 billboards and vehicles, banks and bazaar innovative or temporary jobs so that during etc. recent years the number of new jobs has Transportation and Modernization increased to a considerable extent. A report on evaluation of performance of BRT buses (Bus Rapid REFERENCES Transit) which is prepared in accordance  Asgharpour, S. Esmaeil. Habibollah with the latest international standards shows Zanjani. Gholamreza Taleghani. that three Tehran BRT lines are among the 2013, Impact of Urbanization on top lines in the world. The report has been Population Changes in Metropolitan released by the International BRT Area of Tehran, Iran, 3rd Information System. 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How to cite this article: Yadegari T. From modernization of Daniel Lerner (1950s) to present day modernization of Tehran, Iran. Int J Res Rev. 2014; 1(3):22-30.

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