Comparing the Impact of Media Literacy, Cultural Capital, and Social Class on Developmental Values: An Intergenerational Perspective with an Islamic–Religious Explanation
Keywords:
Media literacy, Cultural capital, Social class, Developmental values, Intergenerational differences, Developmental attitudesAbstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of media literacy, cultural capital, and social class on developmental values across three generations of the Islamic Revolution. The study employed an applied, descriptive–correlational design, using both documentary and field methods. The statistical population consisted of Tehran citizens from three generations, and a sample of 1,200 participants was selected through a two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected through developmental values and media literacy questionnaires. Content validity and reliability were assessed, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate regression, and analysis of covariance. The findings showed that media literacy had a significant positive effect on certain dimensions of developmental values, with stronger effects observed in younger generations. Cultural capital demonstrated a consistent and significant impact on developmental values across all generations, though the intensity varied. Social class had a strong and direct influence on all developmental value dimensions, with the greatest effects on economic and political values. Overall, cultural capital exhibited the strongest predictive power, followed by media literacy and social class. The results indicate that media literacy, cultural capital, and social class collectively shape developmental values, while generational variations influence the strength of these effects. These insights highlight the importance of enhancing cultural capital, improving media literacy, and addressing social inequalities to strengthen developmental values in society.
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Copyright (c) 2026 َAbdolmahdi Fathi Mazloom (Author); Hoshang Zahiri; Mansour Sharifi (Author)
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