My dissertation focuses on three interwoven areas linked to knowledges of care in contemporary Iran: the notion of the healthy body and mind as identity markers, the conceptualizations of social responsibility as care advocacy; and the construction process of the concept “competent citizen.” Given the rapid increase in the Iranian diaspora since early 2010s, I study the development of new health norms and self-care practices via nonofficial (online) platforms, along with the emergence of celebrity psychologists and health coaches. A key aspect of this project will be unpacking the motivations and dynamics at work in areas like social media and popular culture.
![Cultures of care set the frame for health help seeking behaviours](/sites/default/files/styles/content_central_image/public/2022-07/Zahra_Abbasi_Project.jpg?itok=LVdh66cz)
Cultures of care set the frame for health help seeking behaviors.
Source: Unsplash, by Mehdi MeSSrro (https://unsplash.com/photos/a1b5GcNrRLE)