Extended Abstrat

1. Introduction

Refers to being present in social situations and engaging in various activities that can lead to individual or collective achievements. The continuity and stability of human life depend on participation and cooperation in social life, which enables people to achieve better and more dynamic conditions for social living. In Iran, the concept of participation has a long history and has traditionally manifested in forms of cooperation and collaboration within the social fabric. However, with the growth of urbanization and changing social patterns, there is a pressing need to reevaluate these traditional formats. The realization of modern civic structures, which is a common concern for both the government and society, underscores the importance of this issue.

In the meantime, the position of Zahedan city as the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran, along with its status as an immigrant-friendly city, presents a situation worth considering. From this perspective, it is important to recognize how meaningful the programs carried out by the municipality in Zahedan are for the community. These programs strengthen the sense of belonging among the people and prepare them to participate in the city's affairs. With active participation from the community, urban management can anticipate effective planning and success in implementing its programs. Therefore, measuring the level of social participation should be prioritized by the relevant agencies. In this research, we aim to answer the question of what the status of social participation is among the people of Zahedan in urban affairs, and what factors influence the level of social participation among citizens.

2. Materials and Methods

This article is based on a quantitative, cross-sectional survey study conducted in Zahedan city, with a statistical population consisting of citizens over 15 years of age. The sample size for this study was estimated to be 384 individuals; however, to ensure greater accuracy, 428 questionnaires were collected. Sampling in this study employed a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Face validity was used to assess the validity of the research instrument, while Cronbach's alpha was applied to measure the reliability of the questionnaire and determine the explanatory power of the items. All constructs had a Cronbach's alpha higher than 0.7. The research data were analyzed using SPSS-25 software.

3. Results and Discussion

According to the descriptive findings, out of a total of 428 participants in this study, 51.6% were male, and 48.4% were female. In terms of marital status, 27.2% were single, while 72.8% were married. Additionally, most participants (53.6%) identified as Baloch, followed by 40.2% as Sistani; 6.2% belonged to other ethnic groups. Regarding education, 9.2% had a master's degree or higher, 20.8% held a bachelor's degree, 19.8% had a high school diploma, and the remainder had less education. In terms of employment status, the majority of respondents (29.6%) were housewives, followed by 22.7% in freelance jobs, and 13.6% in government positions.

According to the research findings, more than 84% of respondents reported moderate to low satisfaction with their visits to the municipality. Furthermore, among the respondents, the majority (41.9%) reported moderate participation in urban affairs, while 27.8% indicated high participation. The average level of participation was 3.14 (on a scale from 0 to 5).

Of the 421 respondents, most exhibited moderate institutional trust, with over 69% demonstrating moderate to very low institutional trust. Among the 422 respondents, the majority (28.4%) reported a moderate sense of social powerlessness, and in total, 77% expressed a moderate to very high sense of social powerlessness. Of the 425 respondents, a majority (39.3%) reported a very high sense of place belonging. Additionally, out of 417 respondents, 49.6% indicated a very strong urban identity.

Finally, most respondents did not listen to Iranian national radio at all, with an average usage of 1.71 (on a scale from 0 to 6). The majority also did not listen to provincial radio, with an average usage of 2.13 (on a scale from 0 to 6). However, most participants watched Iranian television channels daily, with an average usage of 4.59 (on a scale from 0 to 6). Similarly, the majority of respondents watched provincial television channels every day, with an average usage of 4.36 (on a scale from 0 to 6). Lastly, most respondents used the Internet every day, with an average usage of 4.30 (on a scale from 0 to 6).

Based on the tests of the research hypotheses, the following conclusions can be drawn:

- Among the background variables examined, the level of education of Zahedan citizens has a significant relationship with their willingness to participate in urban affairs, and this relationship is direct. Additionally, the employment status of Zahedan citizens significantly influences their willingness to participate in urban affairs, with those in government jobs demonstrating a significantly greater desire to engage compared to other citizens.

- There is no significant relationship between the level of institutional trust among citizens and their willingness to participate in urban affairs. Similarly, there is no significant relationship between the level of social powerlessness of citizens and their willingness to participate in urban affairs.

- A significant relationship exists between the sense of place among citizens and their willingness to participate in urban affairs, with a direct correlation. There is also a significant relationship between the level of social vitality of citizens and their willingness to participate in urban affairs, which is likewise direct.

- A significant relationship exists between citizen participation levels and their willingness to engage in urban affairs, with the relationship being direct. The level of satisfaction of Zahedan citizens regarding their visits to the municipality is also very significant, and this relationship is direct.

- Finally, the level of listening to national radio stations in Iran by Zahedan citizens is very significant, with a direct relationship. Additionally, the level of daily Internet usage among Zahedan citizens is also very significant and directly related. As daily Internet usage increases, the willingness of Zahedan citizens to participate in urban affairs decreases.

4. Conclusion

Effective participation and active engagement of citizens are fundamental requirements for addressing urban problems. Creating a participatory culture lays the groundwork for raising awareness, recognizing citizenship duties, and strengthening individuals' active roles in determining their common destiny. Citizen participation in decision-making not only promotes a sense of citizenship identity but also paves the way for broader involvement in managing current affairs. The lack of support and participation from the public has consistently been one of the main reasons for the failure to achieve development goals. Consequently, participation is now viewed not only as a tool for development but also as a goal in the development process. The level of interest among citizens in urban affairs is generally high and above average in all the regions studied; their history of participation in these matters is also above average. Therefore, the readiness of Zahedan citizens to engage in urban affairs is appropriate. This presents an opportunity that, if properly utilized, can significantly impact the development trajectory of this metropolis.

5. Acknowledgement & Funding

This article is based on a research project conducted with the support of the Islamic City Council and the Zahedan Municipality.

6. Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest..