Environmental Movements in Iran: Application of the New Social Movement Theory in the Non-European Context

Social movements have been considered by many sociologists as agents of social transformation. Emergence, dynamics and development of social movements not only signal major transformations of societies; but, social movements are indicators of societal conditions, and capable of influencing social and political structures as well. By presenting the case of environmentalism in Iran, this article is seeking to provide an insight into the life of the Iranian social movements. Further, by implementing the new social movement theory in the Iranian context, it contributes to a better understanding of non-western social movements. The article first, establishes the fact that the emerged collective action around environmental issues in Iran can be regarded as a social movement. Second, it introduces the characteristics of environmentalism in Iran. Finally, it examines the relevance of the new social movement theory of Alaine Touraine, and Alberto Melucci in relation to the environmental movements of Iran.