Ethnicity from the Point of View of Identity Politics

When expounding on ethnic problems in Iran, the relations between the members of the ethnic groups and those of the larger community are often neglected and the role of processes and big structures and misuse of ethnic differences by foreign forces and elite groups are highlighted. The present study attempts to understand the ethnic relations from the point of view of people’s everyday experiences, and the mechanisms by which the social identities and ethnic boundarics are developed in the relations between “self” and “others” and in light of power relations.To achieve this, the writer overviews and criticizes the existing general perspectives and propounds an alternative perspective that combines the “relational” and “constructivist” approaches to ethnic relations. On the basis of this analysis, Iran will continue to have ethnic diversity, while ethnic differences can, under particular circumstances, lead to mobilization of group sentiments and construction of divergent identities. Awareness of such circumstances and factors that elicit tension in ethnic relations in Iran can help policymakers to come up with better and more effective policies.