Abstract
This article explores the intellectual debate in Iranian sociology between Islamic and secular frameworks, particularly in relation to the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. The study traces the evolution of sociology in Iran, emphasizing the tension between adopting global scientific paradigms and developing an indigenous framework that aligns with Iran's cultural and ideological contexts. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, efforts to Islamize sociology emerged, but these have faced challenges, including methodological weaknesses and difficulties in establishing a coherent alternative to Western sociology.
The article critically examines the positions of Iranian sociologists on both sides of the debate. Islamic sociology, which often relies on religious principles, struggles to provide a robust framework for analyzing contemporary social movements like "Woman, Life, Freedom." Conversely, secular sociologists have offered more nuanced and empirically grounded analyses, resonating with local and global discourses on social justice and gender rights. The study concludes that for Islamic sociology to become a rigorous discipline, it must innovate theoretically and develop culturally relevant frameworks that address the complexities of Iranian society.
