Representation of urban subalterns in Ettela\'at newspaper(۱۹۲۶-۱۹۵۳): inefficient state and powerless subjects in struggle for survival

Abstract

Introduction: The representation of subalterns in written texts is one of the formative factors contributing to the social life. Furthermore, by considering the representations of subalterns in written texts, one can gain insights into the mindset of the authors regarding subalterns and how they approach these groups. Method: Our objective in this paper is first to examine various issues of the "Ettela'at" daily throughout years to uncover the representation of subalterns in a government newspaper and to reconstruct perspective of the national bureaucracy towards them. Second, we aim to depict some of the modes of interaction of subalterns with the government during these years, as far as they have been portrayed in the government newspaper "Ettela'at". Our focus will be on the representation of subalterns in Tehran. Findings: subalterns become visible only during times of crisis and critical situations. They are often collected and returned to their places of origin and sometimes are assigned a temporary job, always subject to inspection. Regarding the government's approach to subalterns, we can talk of the "dialectic of inefficiency". Discussion: In terms of the interaction between urban subalterns and the government, in the absence of basic life necessities such as work and bread, their focus is primarily on survival. They cannot think, let alone reach, beyond the confines of this immediate struggle.

Keywords

• urban threat
• powerless subject
• representation
• ineffective government