Requirements for Cultural Population Policy-Making in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Strategies for Addressing Its Challenges
Abstract
Population policies play a crucial role in the development of countries. One of the essential prerequisites for formulating effective population policies is the precise identification of the causes and factors behind the emergence of a population crisis or issue. Therefore, before drafting and approving any new population policy, the Islamic Republic must thoroughly examine the reasons behind the sharp population decline in the country over the past two decades. This is particularly important because understanding the impact of various cultural, political, economic, and social factors on this trend can guide the Islamic system’s efforts to reform and reverse the current trajectory and help prioritize its actions.
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Reasons for the Sharp Population Decline in Iran Over the Past Two Decades
Between 1989 and 2011, Iran’s fertility rate dropped more sharply than expected—from over 6 births per woman to around 1.5, and population growth fell to 1.29%. Experts attribute this to structural changes, lifestyle shifts, and the rise of individualism and consumerism influenced by Western development models. Future population policies must address these root causes to effectively reverse the fertility decline.
Media and Cultural Strategies for Increasing Population
- Discourse-building on the necessity of increasing birth rates
- Creating necessary conditions for strengthening families
- Reforming families’ mindset, attitude, and behavior
Media and Cultural Policies
The media and cultural policies for increasing population in the Islamic Republic of Iran include three main strategies:
- Convincing media managers and producers: Media leaders and content creators must first be informed and convinced about the new population policies to produce effective programs.
- Using indirect messaging: Instead of direct campaigns, messages should be conveyed indirectly, focusing on the negative consequences of population decline (such as aging population and weakened emotional bonds).
- Avoiding haste and superficiality: Population change requires lifestyle shifts and public persuasion; therefore, efforts should be gradual, well-planned, and logical, avoiding slogans and aggressive advertising.
This study was conducted at Governance Problems System Thinktank by Mahmoud Nazarnia in 2022.
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