A democratic alternative education system for Iran: An historical and critical study

The Islamic Republic of Iran, established by the Islamic Revolution of 1979, brought social organizations, including the public education system under strict Islamic control, aiming to create obedient subjects who defend and maintain the policies of the regime. The education system reflects an antidemocratic, highly oppressive system in areas of philosophy of education systems, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, class, content and methods of teaching. Using a socio-historical analysis of specific related literature, and based on a theoretical framework of critical pedagogy, this thesis argues for development of a democratic education system for Iran as an alternative to the present dictatorial education system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. If there is a hope to create a more just society for Iran, the education system must have a fundamental role. This thesis introduces some implications for practice and a number of suggestions concerning how to achieve these goals.