Culture and Identity

Introduction: Culture and identity are two fundamental keywords in social and human studies, often used interchangeably in research. This study is necessitated by the vital need to theoretically and empirically distinguish these two concepts to ensure accurate analysis and effective problem-solving in social contexts.
Objective: The primary objective of this research is to explain the ontological and sociological relationship between culture and identity, examining their differences, interactions, and mutual influences.
Methodology: This is a descriptive-analytical study that draws upon philosophical, wisdom-based, and sociological sources. It specifically explores ontological foundations, such as the perspectives of Mulla Sadra and Allameh Tabataba'i, to analyze the core of the subject.
Findings: The findings indicate that identity is a philosophical, individual, and objective reality pertaining to the human "disposition" (shakilah), whereas culture is a social, abstract, and partially conventional construct. Contrary to the common assumption that culture creates identity, this study identifies identity as the independent variable and culture as its "vessel of manifestation".
Conclusion: The study concludes that sustainable cultural engineering or reform requires managing identity transformations rooted in "monotheistic primordial nature" (fitra). This approach liberates individuals from cultural determinism, paving the way for intentional social reform and the attainment of "divine caliphate".