Theorizing the politics of identity in engineering: Reflections from the University of Tehran, Iran

Sepehr Vakil, Elham Beheshti

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This study investigates the politicized identities and experiences of engineering students at the University of Tehran during the 1990s. Building on sociocultural theories, we offer a unique theoretical perspective on the politics of identity that foregrounds the geographical, historical, and political specificity of identity production. Drawing on retrospective life-story interviews conducted in Farsi, our analysis focuses on the cases of Kamran and Sanaz. We find that for both individuals, albeit in very different ways, engineering offered a specialized status and expanded opportunity in society. We note historical and political resonances in their experiences. This study has implications for and aligns with recent calls to deepen international and historical perspectives on identity and learning in the STEM education and learning sciences communities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication14th International Conference of the Learning Sciences
Subtitle of host publicationThe Interdisciplinarity of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2020 - Conference Proceedings
EditorsMelissa Gresalfi, Ilana Seidel Horn
PublisherInternational Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)
Pages729-732
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781732467262
StatePublished - 2020
Event14th International Conference of the Learning Sciences: The Interdisciplinarity of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2020 - Nashville, United States
Duration: Jun 19 2020Jun 23 2020

Publication series

NameComputer-Supported Collaborative Learning Conference, CSCL
Volume2
ISSN (Print)1573-4552

Conference

Conference14th International Conference of the Learning Sciences: The Interdisciplinarity of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNashville
Period6/19/206/23/20

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Education

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