Identifying the Underlying Cultural Factors Affecting Iranian-Islamic Lifestyle

Iranian current consumption pattern is far away from the optimal pattern from the point of view of Islamic values. Considering the problems, this study was conducted to identify the underlying cultural factors of Islamic-Iranian lifestyle. Taking a qualitative method and thematic analysis, and conducting semi-structured interview, the study used the ideas of 17 experts of management and planning of cultural affairs and communication sciences (mainly) from Isfahan province. Purposeful sampling and snowball method were used simultaneously to have a desired sample. Theoretical saturation criterion was the decision-making criterion for determining the number of participants. The results determined eight main themes as the most cultural factors affecting Islamic-Iranian lifestyle: 1) cultural assets; 2) interactive factors; 3) family-based examples; 4) religion-based examples; 5) environmental factors; 6) individual factors; 7) cultural examples; and 8) socio-ethical examples. Each of the main themes has some sub-themes. Iranian lifestyle in so many cases is affected by non-Islamic customs and traditions; therefore it seems necessary that policymakers and cultural planners focus on Islamic lifestyle, especially on the issues related to children.