Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Comprehensive University of Applied Sciences, Center of the Federation of pahlavani and Zorkhaneh of the Islamic Republic of Iran
2
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Neyshabur, Tehran, IRAN
3
Department of Sports Management, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Studies conducted in the field of sports ethics have each addressed the identification of certain moral traits and behavioral dispositions among athletes. In global sport, these traits are drawn from the Olympic Charter, whereas in Iranian sport they stem from the profound concept of pahlavani (chivalry). Nevertheless, comprehensive attention to the notion of pahlavani—whether within sports or beyond the sporting environment—has been limited. Pahlavani is a concept whose broad dimensions can manifest not only in athletic contexts but also in the daily lives of individuals within society. The ethical characteristics observed in sport can extend into society and influence everyday behaviors. What motivates the exploration of these traits in the sports domain is the unique capacity of sport to demonstrate and embody the essence of pahlavani more vividly than other social arenas. It is evident that athletes, as exceptional role models in society, play a crucial role in fostering cultural values and promoting chivalrous conduct. Accordingly, the present study aims to design and compile the Iranian Pahlavani Charter.
Methods
This research is exploratory in nature and has been conducted using a qualitative method and a phenomenological approach in relation to the ideology and character of Pahlavani and the recognition of its components. Phenomenology is a type of research that seeks to explain the nature of objects through the experience of individuals. Phenomenology means "the study of phenomena" and examines human experiences and perceptions of reality. The statistical population of the research includes expert managers, expert professors, Pahlavanis, athletes, and all people who have lived experiences in the field of Pahlavani. For sampling, purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used to conduct in-depth interviews. Test-retest reliability was used to measure the level of reliability in this research. In the current study, test-retest reliability was used to calculate the reliability of the interviews conducted. To calculate the test-retest reliability, a few interviews (5 interviews) were selected as a sample from among the interviews conducted and each of them was recoded in a short and specific time interval (30 days). Then, the codes identified in the two-time intervals for each of the interviews were compared. In each of the interviews, the codes that were similar in the two-time intervals were identified as "agreement" and the dissimilar codes were identified as "disagreement". The total number of codes in the two 30-day time intervals was 336 cases, and the number of agreements was 144 cases and disagreements were 70 cases. The test-retest reliability in this study is 85.9 percent, which is greater than 60 percent, so the reliability of the coding is confirmed.
Results
In this study, a group of 15 people were selected for interviews and the interviews continued until the research reached theoretical saturation and adequacy. A total of 15 experts in the field of Pahlavani were interviewed. The data from the interviews were coded using the phenomenological method. Accordingly, 15 people were interviewed. All interviews were recorded and after each interview, the data was analyzed to establish a model. In the first stage of coding, which is called open coding, the researcher tries to identify the concepts hidden in it by reviewing the collected data set. This stage is called open because the researcher names the concepts with an open mind and does not place any restrictions on determining the codes. In the next stage, the initial codes were converted into sub-themes. After careful analysis and examination, the sub-themes were placed in the form of main themes. Several sub-themes created a main theme and phenomenology has moved towards recognizing the main themes of Pahlavani. 75 subthemes were identified in the review and analysis of the initial codes, and 8 main themes were identified by aggregating the subthemes into main themes. The number of repetitions of subthemes in the analysis of the interviews indicates the importance of that subtheme from the perspective of the interviewees.
Conclusion
Chivalrous conduct and the ethos of pahlavani have become rare virtues in contemporary Iranian society. When we speak of pahlavani, its scope extends across the entire cultural landscape of Iran—and even beyond, encompassing the broader realm of human life wherever it may be found. Pahlavani is a universal concept: it is not confined to any particular group, class, gender, or age. It is neither exclusive to athletes nor limited to men. Rather, pahlavani represents a fusion of noble and ethical behaviors that may not be fully captured within any existing code of conduct or ethical charter. Public-mindedness, courage, faith in God and piety, honesty and integrity, humility and modesty, justice-seeking, patriotism, and generosity constitute the eight central themes and components of this charter, each encompassing a wide array of virtuous moral qualities.
Article Message
Pahlavani charter founded on eight comprehensive components can serve as a pathway toward moral and behavioral reform within human society. The elements addressed in this charter can permeate all dimensions of social life and, as referenced in Islamic traditions, help establish a virtuous city that enables a more elevated human existence. It is evident that an individual who cultivates and internalizes chivalrous behavior will remain committed to these ethical principles in any position or social role. Whether an athlete or a politician, a laborer or an office employee, a teacher or a physician, a woman or a man, an adolescent or an adult—such a person consistently upholds these moral values. In this way, Iranian society can emerge as a moral and social exemplar within the global community.
Ethical Considerations
In accordance with ethical research principles, study objectives and significance were explained prior to interviews. Participation was fully voluntary, with informed consent obtained from all participants.
Authors' Contributions
All authors equally contributed to the design, conduct, and preparation of this research.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank all participants for their valuable time and contributions.
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