Pouremad, S., Ghobadi, H., Bozorg bigdeli, S. (2025). Analyzing the Manifestations of Social Capital in Hamsayeh-hā in Light of Robert Putnam’s Theory. , 58(1), 174-143. doi: 10.22067/jls.2025.92135.1682
Sara Pouremad; Hoseinali Ghobadi; Saeed Bozorg bigdeli. "Analyzing the Manifestations of Social Capital in Hamsayeh-hā in Light of Robert Putnam’s Theory". , 58, 1, 2025, 174-143. doi: 10.22067/jls.2025.92135.1682
Pouremad, S., Ghobadi, H., Bozorg bigdeli, S. (2025). 'Analyzing the Manifestations of Social Capital in Hamsayeh-hā in Light of Robert Putnam’s Theory', , 58(1), pp. 174-143. doi: 10.22067/jls.2025.92135.1682
Pouremad, S., Ghobadi, H., Bozorg bigdeli, S. Analyzing the Manifestations of Social Capital in Hamsayeh-hā in Light of Robert Putnam’s Theory. , 2025; 58(1): 174-143. doi: 10.22067/jls.2025.92135.1682
Analyzing the Manifestations of Social Capital in Hamsayeh-hā in Light of Robert Putnam’s Theory
1PhD in Persian Language and Literature, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
2Professor at the Department of Persian Language and Literature, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Among interdisciplinary approaches, the sociology of literature is a modern approach in literary criticism that examines the interaction between society and literature. This study explores manifestations of one social issue—namely, social capital—in the novel Hamsāyeh-hā, drawing on the theoretical framework of Robert Putnam. The research method is descriptive-analytical, and the novel is examined through close reading and library-based tools, with the aid of software when needed. The article addressed the following questions: How are the components of social capital (trust, participation, and norms) represented in Hamsāyeh-hā, and what underlying factors shape the state of social capital as portrayed by Maḥmūd?
The study finds that the component of trust and its subcategories (basic, interpersonal, and abstract trust) are depicted as largely absent, reflecting a pervasive atmosphere of distrust. The subcomponent of mutual aid appears frequently in the narrative, pointing to a strong presence of altruism and humanity in Iranian society. The subcomponent of collaboration is prominent and aligns with national objectives, reflecting a patriotic sentiment. The subcomponents of social support, sense of efficacy and social effectiveness, and social mediation are represented to varying degrees. Their overall presence indicates constructive social interactions and the prevalence of high moral and human values within Iranian society. The most influential factors in the formation of social capital in the novel include the nationalization of the oil industry and the formation and activities of various political parties in Iran—particularly the Tudeh Party. In contrast, the most significant factors in the emergence of anti-social-capital components are the occupation of Khuzestan by British forces, the elimination of parliamentary, cabinet, and party power by Moḥammad-Reżā Pahlavi, and the increasing dysfunction of the government at various levels and institutions.
