Khan Naneh, a Mirror of Time: A Sociological Re-reading of Intergenerational Social Capital in Shahryar’s Poetry

Objective

Social capital in general, and intergenerational social capital in particular, are key concepts in sociology that facilitate connections between members of different generations, thereby strengthening social cohesion and solidifying national and cultural identity. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to examine the role of Shahriar's poem "Khan Naneh" as an artistic and literary tool for transmitting social concepts and reinforcing intergenerational bonds in the face of modernity's challenges. Utilizing sociological theories, this study seeks to demonstrate how poetry can serve as a powerful medium for transmitting cultural and social values across generations and play a role in preserving collective identity in the era of globalization.



Method

To understand the poem "Khan Naneh," given the limitations of empirical methods in analyzing complex human and social phenomena, a qualitative theoretical hermeneutic approach was employed. In the first step, the emotions and sentiments embedded in the poem were examined. Then, the relationships between different sections of the poem were analyzed to comprehend its overall structure and conceptual connections. Subsequently, the social and political contexts related to the poem were considered to interpret the text within its historical and cultural framework. To ensure the validity and reliability of the findings, measures such as repeated readings of the text, attention to various dimensions of the concepts, and feedback from experts were implemented.



Findings

Based on the methodology employed in this study, the findings indicate that grandmothers, as central figures in the family, play a significant role in transmitting culture, values, and experiences to future generations. This transmission often occurs through symbolic tools such as souvenirs. In the poem "Khan Naneh," souvenirs symbolize the transfer of values and memories, highlighting the role of grandmothers in preserving local cultures. This transmission of values is deeply connected to nostalgia. Nostalgia, as a positive and past-oriented emotion, helps maintain intimacy and strengthen social bonds. By recounting past memories, grandmothers evoke nostalgia in younger generations, aiding in the preservation of local identities in the age of globalization. This role of grandmothers in transmitting values extends to religious socialization. Through the transmission of religious and spiritual teachings, they play a crucial role in shaping the religious identity of future generations. Additionally, grandmothers influence cultural attitudes toward death. By passing on religious and cultural perspectives on death, they help younger generations understand life with greater depth. These concepts are clearly evident in the poem "Khan Naneh," illustrating the role of grandmothers in maintaining family cohesion and transmitting values in the era of globalization.

Conclusion

In the age of globalization, despite material and technological advancements, historical and cultural identities, as well as the role of the family, have been significantly weakened. This trend has raised serious concerns about generational disconnection and the decline of intergenerational social capital. In his poem "Khan Naneh," Shahriar, with his artistic language, emphasizes the necessity of transmitting and preserving cultural and social heritage. By centering the poem on the enduring connections between generations, he warns against the consequences of extreme individualism and the neglect of cultural roots. Shahriar, with a profound perspective, cautions that disregarding cultural and social heritage undermines the foundations of society and endangers intergenerational relationships. These concerns are particularly relevant in the context of the erosion or weakening of traditional channels of socialization. Such risks not only threaten the familial identity of generations but can also lead to a breakdown of generational identity and, consequently, national and ethnic identity. Therefore, the poem "Khan Naneh," as both a literary and sociological work, serves as a reminder of the necessity to rebuild and strengthen intergenerational bonds to preserve collective identity in the era of globalization.