2022 women, life, freedom movement in Iran; Examination in the context of the Constitutional Monarchy Movement and the 1979 Revolution

This study analyzes the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement in Iran within a historical context by connecting it to the Constitutional Movement (1906–1909) and the 1979 Revolution. The interactions and transformation processes of social and cultural structures in relation to these three movements are examined. Each of these movements emerged as a response to the crises and societal needs of their respective periods. The Constitutional Movement sought the rule of law and the limitation of absolute power, while the 1979 Revolution aimed at profound societal changes. The "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, on the other hand, focuses on reviving individual and collective freedoms and redefining rights within society. The study investigates how the successes and failures of these movements have been embedded in social memory and how they influence the dynamics of new movements. The Constitutional Movement, as an early example of modernization efforts, sought to establish justice and the rule of law. However, the 1979 Revolution, due to the establishment of an authoritarian regime and ideological pressures, restricted societal freedoms. This research employs semi-structured questions to explore the formation, continuity, and dynamics of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement. The data obtained from these questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. Additionally, library resources on the Constitutional Movement and the 1979 Revolution were thoroughly examined to provide a comparative perspective. In this context, understanding the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement necessitates an exploration of the historical trajectory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the characteristics of its political system, and the impact of this system on social and cultural structures. The study highlights that this movement, by learning from the failures of previous movements, transcends authoritarian and centralized approaches. The semi-structured interviews conducted reveal that the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement critically engages with the historical legacy and strives to create space for structural changes in Iranian society. Rather than reproducing existing conditions, the movement centers concepts such as justice, freedom, and equality, viewing societal transformation as a long-term process.