Patterns of Ethnic Relations in Iran: Quantitative Analysis of a National Survey Data

Considering the multicultural nature of Iranian society, it is important to define the desired pattern of ethnic relations. This study is based on a national survey conducted in 1397 (2018) among Persians (Tehran), Turks (Tabriz), Kurds (Sanandaj), Arabs (Ahvaz), and Baluchi people (Zahedan) with a sample size of 1950 individuals in which the national and ethnic orientation, political orientation, cross-border ethnic orientation, tendency towards western culture, and orientation towards other ethnic groups were measured. Furthermore, the ideal pattern of ethnic relations in Iran was established using the Berry Model. The findings suggest that Persians have the highest national orientation, the highest orientation towards other ethnic groups, and the lowest political system orientation. Moreover, Turks have the least tendency towards other ethnic communities and the most cross-border transnational ethnic inclination. Overall, the pattern of ethnicity that most respondents (almost 75 percent) prefer is the pattern of multiculturalism and cohesion.