The 2022 Iran Protests: The View from the Streets

Abstract

The fall 2022 protests in Iran reflected the public's frustration with the status quo. These outbursts were sparked by the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody and quickly spread, undermining the Islamic Republic's credibility both domestically and internationally. This study investigates the motivations of those who participated in the demonstrations. Interviews with participants indicate that they were driven by dire economic, social, and cultural conditions, as well as what they saw as government failure, incompetence, and corruption. These feelings were exacerbated by violations of privacy and repression of rights, contributing to the deterioration of the social climate. State-mandated cultural programming, rooted in the government's suspicion of foreign infiltration, and disregard for the aspirations of younger citizens added to the discontent. By engaging with activists and participants, the study helps to specify the areas of public dissatisfaction and suggests some ways to improve the public mood.