The Journal of Community Development (Rural-Urban)

The Journal of Community Development (Rural-Urban)

A Sociological Study of Local Conflicts and Competitions and Their Effects on the Development of Local Communities (Case Study of Baghkhavas and Aliabad Qashqai Villages in Varamin County)

Authors
Mohammadreza Sheikhtaheri
Seyed Ahmad Firouzabadi
Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/jrd.2025.387019.668889
Abstract
Abstract

Introduction: Collective conflict is a challenging social phenomenon that has existed in local communities, especially rural ones, for a long time. Due to its ethnic diversity and the prevalence of immigration and exile throughout history, Iran has always been a suitable environment for this phenomenon. The present study was conducted to identify the causes and origins of local conflicts and rivalries between the two villages of Baghkhavas and Aliabad Qashqai, located in Varamin County, and its effects on the development of the local community. The present study also seeks solutions to control and reduce this phenomenon between the two villages.

Method:This research's approach is qualitative and based on Strauss and Corbin's Grounded theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 local informants and members of local organizations to collect data until theoretical saturation was reached.

Finding: Analysis of the study data and the paradigmatic model shows that marginalization, cultural confrontation, intra-group prejudices, property and ownership disputes, acquisition of symbolic capital, and retrospection have been effective factors in collective conflict. In response to this phenomenon, the residents of these two villages have adopted strategies of competitiveness, resource blocking, negative bargaining, differentiation, migration, and patronage. The consequences of these strategies have been destruction, disruption of social capacities, reduced participation, lack of institutional trust, and institutionalism.

Result: Research findings show that the main strategies for controlling local conflicts and competitions in the Baghkhavas and Aliabad Qashqai are changing agricultural practices and types of products, seeking institutions, and expanding the traditional-ritual interaction pattern to other areas.
Keywords
Collective conflict
Cultural difference
marginalization
institutionalism
Baghkhawas and Aliabad
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The Journal of Community Development (Rural-Urban)
Volume 17, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33
Autumn and winter 2025
January 2025
Pages 323-341