Presenting a Cultural Policy Development Model for Institutionalizing the Culture of Self-Sacrifice and Martyrdom among Generations Z and Alpha: A Meta-Synthesis Study.

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Cultural Management, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30471/rsm.2026.12002.1585

Abstract

The present study aimed to systematically review and develop a conceptual framework for cultural policy-making in institutionalizing the culture of sacrifice and martyrdom among Generation Z and Alpha. Given the generational gap and cognitive transformations of the new generation, traditional approaches to value transmission face serious challenges, necessitating a fundamental revision of cultural policies. Employing a qualitative approach and the Meta-Synthesis method following the seven-step model of Sandelowski and Barroso (2006), this study systematically analyzed 35 credible scientific sources selected from an initial pool of 149, spanning the period from 2011 to 2025. Through in-depth coding and content analysis, 109 initial codes were extracted and subsequently categorized into 18 sub-themes and 7 overarching dimensions. These dimensions include: Functions and Outcomes, Barriers and Challenges, Promotion Strategies and Approaches, Role of Institutions and the Educational System, Cultural Policy-Making, Value Dimensions and Components, and Intellectual and Cognitive Foundations. The findings culminated in a hierarchical conceptual model wherein "Intellectual and Cognitive Foundations" and "Value Dimensions" were identified as the foundational layers, while "Functions and Outcomes" constituted the consequential layer. The conceptualization of "Sacrificial Rationality" as a core category within the cognitive foundations layer represents a significant theoretical innovation of this research. The proposed framework can serve as a strategic roadmap for cultural policymakers in institutions such as the Martyr Foundation and the educational system to redesign promotional programs aligned with the lifeworld of the new generation. Future research can empirically validate this model in diverse cultural contexts through field-based approaches.

Keywords

Journal of Studies in Religion, Spirituality & Management

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 September 2026

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics