Holy Defense Studies

The Semantic Reconstruction of the Concept of Sacred Defense by Generation Z: A Qualitative Study Based on Grounded Theory

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular Article

Authors

mahmoudreza rahbar qazi 1
maryam ghorbani 2

1 Department of Political Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

Abstract
This study intends to understand how Generation Z understands the “Sacred Defense” (Iran-Iraq war) amid advances in culture in contemporary Iran. This generation is temporally distant from the war and has grown up in a digitally-connected, multi-voice context. The article shows how generation Z makes sense of the Sacred Defense in relation to their lived experiences. The study follows a qualitative approach and utilizes grounded theory with a Strauss and Corbin style. Data was gathered and analyzed in accordance with 22 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with young people from ages 18-30 in Tabriz. The results revealed the idea of the Sacred Defense is not treated as a given, historical reality for Generation Z, but rather a text that is subject to depart from its canon. In their encounter with the idea of the Sacred Defense, This generation engages in two strategies: 1. Accepting ethical, national, and revolutionary redefinition; and 2. Resisting through critical re-reading and alternative models. Ultimately, Generation Z's engagement with the Sacred Defense has three consequences: the dynamic redefinition of the Sacred Defense which can actively strengthen national discourse, the sometimes, simultaneous acceptance of criticism (being critical) and belonging to existing Sacred Defense narratives, and the potential disaggregation of the generational connection which can disrupt the transmission of values.

Keywords

Sacred Defense
Generation Z
Semantic Reconstruction
Cyberspace
Polyvocal Culture
Subjects

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