Investigating Sociopolitical Factors Affecting Citizens’ Inclination Toward Democratic Values in Wasit Province, Iraq

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Sociology (Iranian Social Issues Orientation), Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran (Corresponding author).

3 Assistant Professor of sociology Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

4 Professor of sociology Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan.

5 Assistant Professor of political Sciences Department of political Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

10.22126/mps.2026.13952.1166

Abstract

This descriptive-analytical study employs a survey method to investigate the level of inclination toward democratic values among citizens of Wasit Province, Iraq, and the factors influencing it. The statistical population consisted of all citizens of Wasit Province, numbering 1,415,034 people, and the sample size was estimated at 600 using Cochran's formula. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by expert professors, and its reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which yielded a value of 0.893. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-26 and LISREL-9.According to the findings, the overall mean inclination toward democratic values was 3.33, indicating a moderate level. This inclination was higher in urban areas than in rural areas, and in the city of Kut, the provincial capital, it was higher than in other counties. Participation in political parties (0.164), participation in civil society institutions (0.182), and the weakening of tradition and tribalism (0.121) had positive effects on this inclination. The direct effect of participation in civil society institutions was 30.55%, and its indirect effect through the weakening of tribalism was 18.50%. The direct effect of participation in political parties was 21.2%, and its indirect effect was 8.50%.With the stabilization and strengthening of economic and social development in Iraq and Wasit Province, it can be expected that citizens will show a greater inclination toward democratic values, and alongside this development, traditional values will weaken and democratic values will be reinforced.

Keywords

References

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Mesopotamian Political Studies
Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 15
September 2026
Pages 197-226

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 June 2026
  • Revise Date: 18 August 2026
  • Accept Date: 30 August 2026

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