Interdisciplinary Studies of Literature, Arts and Humanities

From Folk Wisdom to Invisible Dominance: An Analysis of the Role of Proverbs in Reproducing False Consciousness Based on Jean Bachelar's Theory of Ideology

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mahdi Rahimi 1
Abolghasem Rahimi 2

1 Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature, Hakim Sabzevari Un. Sabzevar. Iran m.rahimi@hsu.ac.ir

2 Assistant Professor of Persian literature, Department of Persian, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22077/islah.2026.10212.1758
Abstract
This interdisciplinary study in the field of the sociology of literature aims to analyze the functions of "false consciousness" in Persian proverbs based on Jean Bachelard's theoretical framework. Using a descriptive-analytical method and a case study of several commonly used Persian proverbs, the research demonstrates how these aphorisms, under the guise of apparent wisdom and neutrality, contribute to the reproduction of dominant relations. They operate through five main functions: alignment, justification, concealment, positioning, and simplification. The results of this analysis indicate that these five functions, interacting with one another, form an ideological network that makes it difficult for members of society to understand and reflect on power structures. On one hand, proverbs compel the subordinated to submit by justifying the status quo and naturalizing inequalities. On the other hand, by simplifying complex realities, they prevent radical critique and social transformation. As a pioneering study in the systematic application of Bachelard's theory in the domain of folk literature, this article takes a step toward revealing the ideological role of culture in perpetuating unjust structures and emphasizes the necessity of a critical reading of seemingly harmless elements of everyday culture.

Keywords

False Consciousness
Jean Bachelar
Persian Proverbs
Sociology of Literature
Interdisciplinary Study
Subjects
Interdisciplinary Studies of Literature, Arts and Humanities

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 July 2026

  • Receive Date 07 October 2025
  • Revise Date 06 January 2026
  • Accept Date 02 July 2026

Home

Article Processing Charges

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us