An Analysis of the Representation of Iranian Temperament in Characterological Discourse: A Study on the Book ‘Sociology of Elite-Killing’

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Facaulty of Humanities, Yasouj University, yasouj, Iran

2 Ph.D. in Sociology of Iranian Social Issues, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Politics, Khorazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
Characterological writing (kholqiyāt-negāri) is one of the most widely received literary genres in Iran. Given the strongly ideological dimensions of such texts, a critical perspective toward them appears essential. Ali Rezaqoli's ‘Sociology of Elite-Killing’ ranks among the best-selling works within this genre. This article examines the representation of Iranian moral behavior in this book—as a notable instance of characterological discourse—using Van Dijk's model of critical discourse analysis. The study addresses two main questions: first, how is Iranian temperament represented in ‘Sociology of Elite-Killing’?; second, what ideological devices does the author employ in this representation? ‘Sociology of Elite-Killing’ offers an analysis of the historical roots of despotism and underdevelopment in Iran, emphasizing that the collective political, economic, and social life of Iranians was structurally such that it ultimately led to the elimination of elites. Accordingly, the author argues that the efforts of individual figures such as Amir Kabir, while effective in their own right, ultimately proved futile in altering this trajectory. The findings indicate that the author focuses exclusively on morally reprehensible behaviors and pays no attention to praiseworthy moral conduct among Iranians. Moreover, through polarization, he consistently compares Iran with the West, depicting Iranians using negative terms relative to Westerners in all instances. Ultimately, Rezaqoli attributes Iran's underdevelopment to Iranian temperament, and, in turn, explains temperament through economic culture as the determining factor. This line of reasoning falls into circularity and tautology; if taken as a basis, it would imply that Iran can never achieve development.

Keywords


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Volume 18, Issue 68 - Serial Number 68
Summer 2026
Summer 2026
Pages 159-199

  • Receive Date 26 July 2025
  • Revise Date 03 August 2026
  • Accept Date 08 August 2026
  • Publish Date 23 July 2026