It goes without saying that the latest developments in communication technology and transportation systems brought about changes in our sense of “space,” “time,” and social imaginaries. Our panel tries to clarify how the recent development in “connectivity” among Iranians caused changes in their mentality, social behavior, social movements and identity. Actually, the significance of family, kinship, or neighbours, which constituted the dominant network in Iranians' social life, came to be redefined, or gained new aspects. Aside from conventional networking, numerous NGOs have emerged as a result of new modes of connectivity, at the same time promoting further connectivity. It may not be an exaggeration to say that all social movements in Iran, whether prompted by civil motives or by governmental measures, as well as all activities of semi-governmental groups, are under the influence of the new connectivity. Rapid flows of information tend to stimulate people to seek more opportunities for social activities, to obtain more consumer goods, and to yearn for going abroad, as well.
The papers in our panel are based on recent fieldwork conducted in Iran or on interviews with Iranians living abroad.
The first paper will focus on NGOs for / of disabled people, who have less accessibility to information due to their impairments. The roles of NGOs will be examined, through their means of information provision and communication.
The second will explain the impact of emotion on the self among Iranian youth, in the context of the religious and ideological dictates of the Iranian state. The presentation focuses on cultural-psychological layers of Iranian society to comprehend the real young selves who are called ‘cultural criminals’ by the Islamic government.
The third paper will look at how the character of kinship relations changed for women after the introduction of cell phones in Kohgiluye va Boirahmad Province, where Lor and Turkish tribes have been the majority, and where tribal identity is well preserved.
The convenor will give the concluding remarks.
The organizing of this panel and the participation in the conference of the first three presenters, the panel Convenor and the Chairperson, were supported by a Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(Kakenhi) of the Japan Society for Promotion of Sciences(JSPS).