Participation and development: Some socio-individual factors related to the participation of the citizens of Tabriz

Paying attention to participation and emphasizing its role is one of the main factors of development in developing societies. The purpose of this study was to determine some social and cultural factors related to citizen participation in Tabriz. The research method was data survey and data collection tool. The statistical population of all citizens aged 15-45 in urban areas of Tabriz, both men and women, was 82,000 and the sample size was 680, which were determined and selected in three age groups. In this study, the independent (predictive) variables of access to mass communication media, social alienation, age, gender and socioeconomic status of citizens had a significant relationship with the dependent variable (criterion), ie participation. Given the low level of citizen participation, it can be said that this situation is due to structural obstacles in the political and cultural system of Iran. The connection of individuals with society and their relationship with it and their separation from society, all go back to the social and cultural environment in which they are located. What drives actions is the habits and patterns of behavior that are created in society, different institutions, and individuals.