A Causal Analysis of the Impact of Perceived Ethnic Discrimination on Youth Social Alienation: Case of Qorveh

Heshmati, Mohammad Reza

doi:10.22034/jss.2025.2066964.1911

A Causal Analysis of the Impact of Perceived Ethnic Discrimination on Youth Social Alienation: Case of Qorveh

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mohammad reza Heshmati

Ph.D. in Sociology of Iranian Social Issues, Faculty of Law and Humanities, Kashan University, Kashan, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22034/jss.2025.2066964.1911

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the impact of perceived ethnic discrimination on social alienation, with a particular focus on the mediating role of social exclusion among young people in the city of Qorveh. This applied research employed a quantitative approach and survey methodology. The statistical population consisted of all young individuals aged 18 to 30 residing in Qorveh, from which a sample of 384 participants was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating standardized scales of ethnic discrimination, social exclusion, and social alienation. The reliability of the instruments was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.85 to 0.91, and their validity was supported through confirmatory factor analysis.
The results of structural equation modeling revealed that perceived ethnic discrimination had a direct and significant effect on social alienation, as well as a significant direct effect on social exclusion. Moreover, social exclusion had a stronger influence on social alienation and played a significant mediating role in transmitting the effect of perceived ethnic discrimination. The final model explained 52.3% of the variance in social alienation.
The findings confirm the proposed conceptual model and underscore the crucial role of social exclusion in amplifying the negative consequences of perceived ethnic discrimination. They highlight the urgent need to pursue cultural, educational, and social interventions and policies aimed at reducing discrimination and exclusion in multiethnic societies.

Keywords

Ethnic Discrimination

Social Exclusion

Social Alienation

Youth

Social Inequality

Ethnic Sociology

Qorveh City

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