The Function of Satire as Social Capital With an Emphasis on Mystical Satire

Undoubtedly, one of the important aspects of sustainable development in society is the use of the concept of capital in general and social capital in particular. Although the term “capital” is used primarily in the realm of economics, it has been increasingly accepted in the social sphere in the past two decades such that today it is recognized as one of the important components in development. On the other hand, the discovery, use, and dissemination of popular culture, with the aim of strengthening the collective and historical identities viewed as social capital and achieving sustainable development in the social realm of the country, is one of the missions and duties of cultural figures in society. In the meantime, Satire has a special place as a significant custom within the popular culture due to its reliance on the cultural subconscious of the people and the reproduction of moral values ​​in accordance with the religious and national traditions. This paper has adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and library and document analysis methods to define and explain the status of social capital and to tackle the common definitions in the quip domain, its types, and mystical satire as a prestigious type of satire. Based on the characteristics of this satire type, an attempt has been made to emphasize the importance of its social functions as a part of the mystical spiritual heritage, its importance, its theoretical dimensions, and its systematic relationship with social capital. When facing individual and social abnormalities, the mystical satire (as a type of social capital) is a legacy that has tried to correct, improve, and develop culture and enhance social and religious values of the societies during the history. The ultimate goal of this article is to keep open the way of the critical reflection on the relationship between these two concepts (satire and social capital) in order to reform and develop culture and promote the social and religious values ​​of society.