A Theoretical Analysis of the Role of New Middle Class in the Process of Transition to Democracy during the Oil Nationalization Movement

Subject Areas : Journal of Law and Politics

Ahmad Saei ^{1 *} , Fereydun Akbarian ^{2 *}

1 - ندارد
2 - ندارد

Received: 2015-07-11 Accepted : 2015-07-11 Published : 2009-07-23

Keywords: Middle class, New middle class, Civil society, Transition to democracy, Political actors, Social&#x0D, &#x0D, actors,

Abstract :

In general, the social base, actors, and the democratic discourse prevalent in the Oil NationalizationMovement, belonged to the new middle class. In this movement the new middleclass was the main structural or social base of the transition which tried to fulfil this goalin a specific historical conditions (1328-32), when in the field of politics the relationshipamongst the ruling political actors for transition to democracy were favourable. In themeantime, the new middle class through the establishment of national front and accessionof executive power, was able to fulfil the first two phases of transition, ie, the defeat ofauthoritarian forces and the boos of democratic institutions. However, owing to variouschallenges and obstacles they were unable to fulfil the third stage, namely, establishmentand strengthening the democratic institutions. As a result, the process of democratizationwas incomplete and, soon after, authoritarian rule once again became the dominant force inthe Iranian society.