Discourse Analysis of “Equitable Water Distribution” Law in Iran

With the emergence of the water crisis and its numerous consequences in Iran, researchers in various sciences have investigated the causes and offered solutions to prevent it, but most of them have not addressed the complex relations and interactions of the water sector with the wider social, political and economic systems. The present study is based on the idea that there are different perceptions about the water problem in Iran and this difference in meanings and perceptions has been effective in passing laws and adopting the country's water policies. Using the discourse analysis method and combining the approaches of Fairclough and Laclau/Moff, the semantic system of “ the equitable water distribution” law was studied. The findings were presented in two parts: an analysis of the textual characteristics of the law and its connections to the economic, social, and political conditions of the society. The results showed that the law has been influenced by revolutionary values and conditions of the society in the early years after the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Ambiguity in the definition of concepts such as justice and public interests, disbelief in water resources constraints and imminent crisis, disbelief in nature’s entity and living ecosystems, and neglect of citizens’ agency has made this law a non-equitable one that ignores the rights of nature and future generations.