The Basij Role in Strengthening of Youth National Identity

Identity means who and what the person is. It is a complex and fluid concept that over time is subject to change and is the difference of a person, group or society in comparison with other people, groups and societies. According to such rule, many societies help their citizens in order to achieve a coherent identity. The purpose of this paper is to explain the Basij role in strengthening of youth national identity. The interviews are with social and cultural experts, academics and subject experts in Basij. Moreover, the Delphi method and qualitative approach has been applied. The Delphi questionnaire has also used to collect data. Comparison of national identity dimensions demonstrates Islamic dimension (Islam, Shiism and Islamic values) with average rating of 3.5, Iranian dimension (cultural, land and ancient Iranian civilization) with average rating of 2.7, Ethnic dimension (families, tribes and Iranian groups) with average rating of 2.2, and finally new dimension (values and cultural symbols of other nations) with average rating of 0.5, form the highest and lowest dimensions of national identity (Islamic-Iranian), respectively. In all declared characteristics of national identity (Islamic-Iranian) the sense of belonging and affection towards national identity is more than commitment and defense readiness (behavior) and the rate of commitment and behavior is more than knowledge and awareness towards the elements of national identity. Some of the main role creation priorities of Basij in strengthening the national identity among youth are as follows:1. Maintaining of Islamic dimension dominance and efforts to strengthen the elements and Iranian dimension characteristics of national identity.2. Emphasis on strengthening the knowledge and awareness dimension of national identity in comparison with emotional and behavioral dimensions.3. Taking effective measures to strengthen national identity with emphasis on national unity, religious unity, ethnic solidarity, happiness and joy among youth.