Academic Freedom: A Qualitative Analysis of Representing the Experiences of Science Stakeholders in Iran

The aim of this study was to identify the ideas and perceptions of an academic society (professors and students) of Iran from the concept of academic freedom. This is a qualitative study with phenomenographical strategy. Participants in the study were 41 people (22 faculty members and 19 graduate students) from three universities of Tehran, Allameh Tabatabai and Kurdistan. Purposeful sampling was performed with maximum variety. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to collect information, and the interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Information was analyzed using theoretical coding that 5 descriptive notions: fundamental initiative, lack of hegemony of opinion and indoctrination, governance of academic voice, inter-arranged university and empowering professional space as the understanding of the Iranian academic community of academic freedom to was obtained. The identified descriptive notions have the most conceptual / historical and metaphorical conformity with the grid model of academic freedom. Understanding of academic freedom among professors is more concerned with the grid model and among students is more concerned with liberal and civic models. Professors' understanding is more limited to the professional, and grid conceptualization of academic freedom. Students have more critical and liberal views on academic freedom due to their lack of organizational affiliation with the bureaucratic institution and lack of venture capital.