Analysis of Cultural and Social Barriers in the Politics of National Divisions with Emphasis on Ethnic Identity: A Case Study of Sistan and Baluchesta

Provincial divisions serve as a key tool in managerial planning and balanced development, playing a significant role in reducing regional inequalities. Sistan and Baluchistan Province, as one of Iran’s largest and most diverse provinces, faces complex cultural and social challenges in its provincial division process. This study’s significance lies in its detailed examination of cultural and social barriers to provincial division from the perspective of the local community, which can enhance understanding of potential consequences and inform appropriate solutions. The primary objective is to identify and analyze cultural and social barriers influencing the division of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, with emphasis on the local community’s viewpoint. This descriptive-analytical research adopts a survey approach. The statistical population comprises Baloch ethnic group members aged over 18 from six major counties in the province, with a random sample of 330 individuals selected. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed through parametric and non-parametric statistical tests (binomial test, one-sample t-test, and Friedman test). Findings reveal that cultural barriers—such as renaming the province, loss of geographical unity, and erosion of cultural identity—and social barriers, including inadequate government service delivery, the national budgeting system, and social deprivation, are the most critical deterrents to provincial division from the local community’s perspective. The impact of these barriers is assessed to be significantly above average. The results underscore the necessity of prioritizing cultural and social barriers in decision-making processes related to provincial divisions to mitigate ethnic and social tensions and achieve balanced regional development.