Details of Research Outputs

This paper delves into the experiences of Bahá’is, the largest religious minority in Iran, with a specific focus on their responses to persecution, and sense-making process concerning their identity and approach to adversity. Adopting a phenomenological approach, the study conducted 10 in-depth interviews with Bahá’is residing in the United States as exiles. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze their narratives. Consistent with the Bahá’i philosophy of conflict resolution, known as constructive resilience, the Bahá’is have exhibited a non-confrontational and resilient stance in the face of persecution, demonstrating constructive behavior. Notably, the findings reveal a compelling contrast between the extensive range of persecutions endured by the Bahá’is at the hands of the government and the positive attitudes held by the general public towards them. Bahá’i participants attribute this positive sentiment to the community’s manner of responding to persecution. These collective actions have not only alleviated the suffering of the Bahá’is but have also provided them with a framework for comprehending constructive resilience as an approach to oppression.