Strategies for Addressing Identity Challenges of Bi-Spatial Adolescents in Contemporary Iran

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Ph.d. of Muslim Social Knowledge, Faculty of Culture, Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Baqir al-Ulum (AS), Qom, Iran

2 Ph.d. Student of Moral Philosophy, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

3 Ph.d. Student of Cultural Policy-Making, Faculty of Culture, Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Baqir al-Ulum (AS), Qom, Iran

10.22059/jppolicy.2026.107800

Abstract

The new generation in contemporary Iran faces identity challenges shaped by dual-space life, including fluid and diverse identities, value conflicts, global cultural influence, and weakening ties to national and religious values. These trends result in weakened family and religion, wider generational gaps, behavioral and psychological issues, academic decline, cultural laxity, and threats to social cohesion. Using a qualitative method and thematic analysis, this study reviewed related literature and conducted semi-structured expert interviews. Twenty-four strategies were identified and refined through expert panels based on effectiveness, speed of impact, scope, feasibility of cooperation, and institutional alignment. Seven key strategies were prioritized: future-oriented parenting in the digital sphere, redesigning adolescent identity governance, developing identity-shaping media content, fostering cultural-social engagement, religious identity formation in the adolescent lifeworld, identity-building through experiential and educational interaction, and narrating identity within education and the ideal of progress.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 12, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 48-63

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