Principals of Sociology
SOC1101[A]
Midterm 1
Pawneez Boronkiani
Student Number: 300295510
Professor: Stephen Larose
October 11th, 2022
, In the decades before the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran was ruled by the Shah, whose tyranny
repressed and restricted the political freedoms of Iranians. While the authoritarian ruler limited political
involvement and speech, it was the Government's inability to satisfy the rising expectations of the Iranian
people that led to the Islamic Revolution1. The Iranian people were determined to protest; thus, people
took to the streets and sought their deserved freedom. In 1979, they were successful in overthrowing the
Monarchy in power. The people were promised protection, freedom, and independence from great power
tutelage2. However, the new Islamic Government in power failed to uphold their promise of Democracy.
Months later, sanctions on women were implemented, forcing them to wear coverings for protection. The
Iranian women fled the streets to rebel against these inhuman laws, however, were punished if they did
not obey the law already in place. Women were no longer allowed to work or receive an education, or
travel without permission from their fathers or spouse. If they neglected to obey the laws placed on them,
they were severely punished in form of arrest beatings, and sexual assault by the Morality Police. The
morality police were newly in place to ensure the law is followed and obeyed for no one shall go against
the Quaran. The Islamic Government claims this was the only way to protect their women. The people
could not foresee their previous ruler being replaced by a suppressive, unruly Islamic Regime, and the
outcome only benefited the men. Four decades later, a young Iranian girl, Mahsa Amini, was brutally
murdered by the morality police on September 16th, 2022. Iranians were ignited by rage. They were not
going to let this act of violence go unjustified. What was now a global phenomenon, Iranian women and
girls are still enduring the toughest battle against the misogynistic regime while protesting for their
freedom.
1 Afary, Janet. "Iranian Revolution". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2022,
https://www.britannica.com/event/Iranian-Revolution. Accessed 6 October 2022.
2
Fathollah-Nejad, Ali. “Four Decades Later, Did the Iranian Revolution Fulfill Its Promises?” Brookings,
Brookings, 9 Mar. 2022, https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2019/07/11/four-decades-
later-did-the-iranian-revolution-fulfill-its-promises/.
SOC1101[A]
Midterm 1
Pawneez Boronkiani
Student Number: 300295510
Professor: Stephen Larose
October 11th, 2022
, In the decades before the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran was ruled by the Shah, whose tyranny
repressed and restricted the political freedoms of Iranians. While the authoritarian ruler limited political
involvement and speech, it was the Government's inability to satisfy the rising expectations of the Iranian
people that led to the Islamic Revolution1. The Iranian people were determined to protest; thus, people
took to the streets and sought their deserved freedom. In 1979, they were successful in overthrowing the
Monarchy in power. The people were promised protection, freedom, and independence from great power
tutelage2. However, the new Islamic Government in power failed to uphold their promise of Democracy.
Months later, sanctions on women were implemented, forcing them to wear coverings for protection. The
Iranian women fled the streets to rebel against these inhuman laws, however, were punished if they did
not obey the law already in place. Women were no longer allowed to work or receive an education, or
travel without permission from their fathers or spouse. If they neglected to obey the laws placed on them,
they were severely punished in form of arrest beatings, and sexual assault by the Morality Police. The
morality police were newly in place to ensure the law is followed and obeyed for no one shall go against
the Quaran. The Islamic Government claims this was the only way to protect their women. The people
could not foresee their previous ruler being replaced by a suppressive, unruly Islamic Regime, and the
outcome only benefited the men. Four decades later, a young Iranian girl, Mahsa Amini, was brutally
murdered by the morality police on September 16th, 2022. Iranians were ignited by rage. They were not
going to let this act of violence go unjustified. What was now a global phenomenon, Iranian women and
girls are still enduring the toughest battle against the misogynistic regime while protesting for their
freedom.
1 Afary, Janet. "Iranian Revolution". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2022,
https://www.britannica.com/event/Iranian-Revolution. Accessed 6 October 2022.
2
Fathollah-Nejad, Ali. “Four Decades Later, Did the Iranian Revolution Fulfill Its Promises?” Brookings,
Brookings, 9 Mar. 2022, https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2019/07/11/four-decades-
later-did-the-iranian-revolution-fulfill-its-promises/.
