Bibliography 2: #BIB38521

Key	BIB38521
Reference type	Thesis
Title	Redefining Resiliency, Resistance, and Oppression : A Case Study of the Bahá’í Underground University in Iran
Author	Missaghi, Kimiya Tahirih
Year	2021
Place published	Ottawa, Ontario
Abstract	With over 300,000 followers, Iran’s Bahá’í community is the country’s largest religious minority and has been systematically marginalized and oppressed since its founding in 1844. Bahá’ís are prohibited from owning property, entering certain careers, and barred from higher education in Iran. The Bahá’í community has responded to this formal exclusion through non-violent means. For example, establishing their own underground university known as the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education (BIHE) which is primarily operated virtually and by volunteer faculty and staff. Although the Iranian government has continuously attempted to shut down BIHE, the institute has grown since its establishment in 1987 to offer 38 programs and accepts approximately 450 new students annually. BIHE’s existence and growth exemplify perseverance and resilience under intergenerational pressure and makes for an excellent case study to examine resiliency and forms of non-violent resistance. Using qualitative methodologies including qualitative interviews, surveys, interdisciplinary comparative theoretical research, and statistical analysis, this thesis investigates the nature of resiliency among 15 BIHE alumni. It shows that common theories of resiliency do not adequately account for how resiliency is modeled, taught, and adopted. Therefore, this study proposes that resiliency is a socially embedded process that propels both the individual and the community forward. Additional themes that emerged in defining resiliency among participants included developing individual qualities and characteristics, advancing resources within the community, improving life circumstances, tools of resistance, a non-violent approach, and means of seeking justice.
Language	English
Keywords	BAHA'I INSTITUTE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION; EDUCATION; PERSECUTION; IRAN; RESILIENCE; RESISTANCE
Number of pages	129
Thesis type	Masters
Academic department	Legal Studies
University	Carleton University
Degree	MA
File attachments	internal-pdf://3304552000/Missaghi (2021) - Redefining_Resiliency_Resist.pdf

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