Extended Abstract
Introduction
If the political system is viewed as a system with both outputs and inputs (Almond & Powell, 2005), it becomes clear that the inputs and data within this system strongly influence one another. Examining the status and balance of these inputs can help gain insight into how the political system functions and identify its potential crises. One of the most important factors contributing to the stability of a political system is political participation and support for it, which can be considered an input to the system. The availability of resources and facilities within society is a significant factor influencing political participation and public support for the political system. Improving these resources is likely to increase participation levels. However, if resources are distributed in a manner that deepens the gap between social classes and fosters a sense of injustice, political apathy and reduced political participation are likely outcomes. It is important to note that the validity of the claim linking the (re)distribution of resources with political and social action in all societies is debatable. In some contexts, the nature of these processes may not influence individual actions. For example, in countries where an idealistic ideology or deep ethnic–tribal culture binds individuals together and guides their social actions, economic issues may hold less significance. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran sought to redistribute resources in order to enhance social justice. Over several decades, various distribution and redistribution policies were implemented. However, a review of economic statistics and data reveals that the government struggled to achieve significant success in equitably distributing resources. It is thus essential to understand the public perception of justice and the resource distribution. Given that students are recognized as an influential group within the political sphere, the present research aimed to explore their perceptions of the outcomes of distribution and redistribution policies. Focusing on graduate students at the universities located in Tehran, the study tried to explain the relationship between their perceptions of justice regarding (re)distribution policies and their political participation. The research is based on the hypothesis that the sense of injustice felt by graduate students has led to political passivity, apathy, and a reduced willingness to engage in politics at various levels.
Materials and Methods
This study is an applied and survey-based research. The statistical population consisted of graduate students from University of Tehran, Allameh Tabataba’i University, and Tarbiat Modares University across various disciplines. The Cochran formula was applied to determine the sample size. The maximum permissible error (d) was accurately calculated, and the confidence level was set at 0.95. The library and documentary methods were employed to review the literature and describe the theoretical framework. Moreover, a field study was used to collect data from the statistical population through a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a series of closed-ended questions, each scored on a Likert scale. As a correlational study in nature, the research adopted a post-event design in terms of data collection method.
Results and Discussion
The results of the descriptive and empirical statistical analyses partially confirmed the main hypothesis. It is important to note that students’ perceptions of justice across various dimensions, as well as their views on distribution and redistribution policies, suggested that they believe these policies have not achieved the government’s intended goals. Students perceive the distribution of resources in society as unfair in the aforementioned dimensions. Moreover, in terms of participation, an average of 38.5% of students were not willing to participate in the presidential elections, while 35% showed interest in participating, and approximately 26.5% were neutral. As noted, factors such as religious–ideological ties, nationalism, and the importance placed on democracy are key determinants of electoral participation. These results align with findings of previous research. For instance, a study by Masoudnia et al. (2012) found a significant relationship between relative deprivation and electoral participation. Similarly, Castillo (2009) demonstrated that economic inequality strongly affects political participation. This is also consistent with studies by Gorsin (2018) and Brandsma (2016), which show that income inequality negatively impacts political participation and voter turnout. Moreover, Carlos and Castillo (2015) confirmed that the perception of fair distribution is linked to political participation—greater fairness in distribution leads to higher participation, while perceived unfairness discourages it. Concerning the participation in government political gatherings (e.g., conferences and rallies), the results revealed that about 42% were willing to attend, while 29.5% were unwilling. This reflects a weakening of the symbolic support for the government and the political system. Alternatively, one key reason for participation in the events is the ideological–religious connection that binds the public to the political system. However, if this bond weakens due to growing inequalities, the number of individuals participating in government-led political events will likely decrease. As stated by Almond and Powell (2005) and Easton (1953), in the systemic approach, inefficiency in distribution policies leads to a breakdown in support for the political system. Conversely, if the system successfully distributes resources and values within society, we see an increase in support through the feedback process.
Conclusion
The analysis showed a significant relationship between the perception of justice and political participation. A change in this perception can influence participation in elections and rallies. It is important to note that the type of response, particularly protests, to perceived injustice depends on the social and political conditions prevailing in a society. At times, this perception may align closely with the actual state of society, with little difference between the two. However, there are instances when a substantial gap exists between the perceived situation and reality, often for various reasons. Moreover, statistics and economic indicators show an unfavorable distribution of resources and opportunities within the Iranian society, especially the inequality between the center and the periphery. This contributes to increased political apathy and decreased political participation.