Journal of Iranian Cultural Research

Journal of Iranian Cultural Research

University and culture; How do university and society connect?

Document Type : Scientific Research Manuscript

Author
Nematollah Fazeli
Professor of Anthropology, Social Studies Department, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
10.22035/jicr.2025.3407.3661
Abstract
This article provides an analysis of the current position of the university institution in Iran, focusing on its connection with society. Over recent decades, the processes of bureaucratization and commercialization have imposed various structural and political pressures on the university, pushing it to serve commercial and political goals. In this article, I aim to highlight the diverse aspects and manifestations of these pressures and reveal their detrimental consequences for the educational, research, and cultural functions of universities. These challenges and pressures are not exclusive to the university institution in Iran; other societies face similar issues. Drawing on existing research, I explain this global aspect, but my emphasis is on the university institution in Iran. I argue that to address these challenges, it is not necessary to rely on the commercial and political functions of universities to strengthen their ties with society. Instead, if universities focus on their historical and traditional roles—cultivating educated and socially efficient individuals and serving the modern cultural values from which they originated—they can establish an organic connection with society. I distinguish between two models of universities: the "supportive university" and the "identity-oriented university." I argue that a supportive university cannot forge a strong and structural bond with society. What is needed is an identity-oriented university that remains true to its modern identity. To this end, I provide a historical review of the evolution of the university institution in Iran and demonstrate that the approach of rendering universities as mere service providers has not strengthened their connection with society—and cannot do so. Emphasizing the service-oriented approach to universities further undermines their freedom and independence, adversely affects the quality of education and research, and fails to bridge the gap between universities and society.
Keywords
university
academic culture
supportive university
Identity university
academic values

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 10 November 2024
  • Revise Date 27 November 2024
  • Accept Date 02 February 2025