Socioeconomic Status, Status-Based Identity Uncertainty, and Self-Concept Clarity in Iran: The Role of Independent and Interdependent Self-Construals

Previous research showed the association of socioeconomic status (SES) with both interdependence and independence in collectivistic cultures and the socioeconomic disadvantages of mismatch between the individual and the overarching culture. This study investigated whether interdependent-independent self-construals are linked to SES in Iran, if the culture-incongruent self is related to status-based identity uncertainty (SBIU), and if self-concept clarity (SCC) could suppress this relationship. A cross-sectional correlational study with self-report measures was implemented. Results indicated that individuals with higher subjective SES are more interdependent, whereas no relationship existed between SES and independent self. Increased social solidarity following the Iranian protests of 2022 and unemployment were also linked to interdependence. Furthermore, culture-incongruent self as reflected by independence was related to greater SBIU and SCC, with SCC suppressing the link between independence and SBIU. This study highlights the role of interdependence in accessing socioeconomic resources in honor cultures and that the link between SES and independence may not exist in South Asian cultures with high in-group collectivism and low assertiveness. It also underscores that individuals who deviate from the culturally-dominant self-construal feel uncertain about their socioeconomic standing, unless they have a clear enough self-concept. Future research may clarify the direction of pathways between cultural mismatch, SBIU, and SCC, and investigate whether social resources themselves should be included in the measurement of SES in honor cultures.