A Sociological Study of Structural, Institutional, and Cultural Barriers to the Realization of Citizenship Rights in the Metropolis of Ahvaz

This study investigates the multi-level barriers to the realization of citizenship rights in the city of Ahvaz, a metropolis characterized by ethnic diversity and profound environmental challenges. Employing a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) approach, the research was conducted using a researcher-made structured questionnaire administered to 384 Ahvazi citizens (determined via Cochran’s formula and selected through stratified random sampling). The reliability and validity of the instrument were confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha (0.781) and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and Smart-PLS software. The findings reveal that barriers to the realization of citizenship rights operate at three distinct levels: structural (unequal distribution of resources, institutional inefficiency), institutional (ethnic discrimination in public services, weakness of civil institutions), and socio-cultural (ethnic stereotypes, lack of civic awareness). Factor analysis identified three key factors collectively explaining 75% of the total variance. Furthermore, regression analysis demonstrated that ethnicity, discrimination, and social inequality have the highest relative contributions in predicting the barriers to citizenship rights. Achieving the realization of citizenship rights in Ahvaz requires comprehensive institutional reforms, the strengthening of civil society, the expansion of civic awareness, and the adoption of inclusive, equitable policies that account for ethnic diversity.