Qualitative Research in Curriculum

The discursive constructing of the Islamic-Iranian Educated Body: A Foucauldian and Laclau-Mouffean Analysis of the Fundamental Reform Document of Education in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hamidreza Moharrami 1
Ahmad Salahshoori 2
Irandokht Fayyaz 1
Ramazan Barkhordari 3
Alireza sadeghi 4

1 Allameh Tabataba'i University

2 Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy of Education, Allameh Tabatabaei University

3 Kharazmi University

4 Department of Curriculum Studies, Faculty of Psychology and Education Allameh Tabataba'i University

10.22054/qric.2026.93828.487
Abstract
Abstract
This study analyzes the discursive construction of the “Islamic-Iranian educated body” in the Fundamental Transformation Document of Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Adopting a qualitative approach, it employs discourse analysis based on Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory, with selected Foucauldian concepts used for interpretation. Laclau and Mouffe explain the articulation and temporary stabilization of the desirable body’s meaning, while Foucault illuminates its connection to normalization, self-care, self-regulation, and embodied subjectification. Findings indicate that “hayat-e tayyiba” functions as a nodal point articulating signifiers including servitude to God, piety, health, modesty, responsibility, identity, lifestyle, participation, productivity, and knowledge. Across six educational domains, the body is constructed as healthy, self-regulating, responsible, participatory, productive, knowledgeable, and normatively oriented. Thus, the educated body emerges as an analytical formulation linking educational values with normalization, self-care, and self-regulation.
Keywords: Educated body; Fundamental Transformation Document of Education; Hayat-e Tayyiba; Discourse Analysis; Laclau and Mouffe; Michel Foucault; Islamic-Iranian identity.

Keywords

Educated body
Fundamental Transformation Document of Education
Hayat-e Tayyiba
Discourse Analysis
Islamic-Iranian identity

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