Ramali and falgiri, as part of the informal economy, have deep roots in many developing societies, including Iran. This phenomenon, which thrives in a context of economic, social, and cultural crises, not only leads to the withdrawal of capital – both financial, human, and social – from the productive and formal economic cycle, but also causes conflicts in the rationality of society through its impact on individual and collective decisions. In this note, by examining some aspects of the political economy of ramali and falgiri in Iran, the short-term and long-term reasons and consequences of this phenomenon in economic, social, and political spheres are discussed. Additionally, the impact of this phenomenon on various sectors of society, such as sports in Iran, is used as an example of the infiltration of superstition into formal and informal institutions.

Sand and fortune-telling are like a phenomenon.

a.

A few moments later.

Rituals, fortune-telling, and other forms of “superstition” in Iran, are not only considered cultural and social phenomena, but also as part of the informal economy that can be examined. This phenomenon has grown in the context of economic instability, inefficiency of modern institutions, and government control over public opinion. In times of increasing economic and social crises, there is a greater demand for services that promise to solve problems through unconventional methods. Economic inequality, systematic corruption, and suppression of scientific and critical thinking have created a suitable environment for the development of this informal market.

Financial circulation of the market of exchange and speculation.

Reports indicate that some fortune tellers and palm readers are earning billions of dollars. For example, in 1399, the cyber police identified and dismantled a widespread online fortune-telling network that had defrauded billions of tomans.

The influence of the Ramalan in power systems.

In some cases, reports have been published about the close relationship between claimants of occult sciences and political and security authorities. Some of these individuals have played a role as spiritual advisors in important government decisions.

The use of religious superstition by the ruling authority for social control.

The official voice and television of the ruling government and some religious institutions, by promoting concepts such as magic and unknown energies, strengthen the atmosphere of superstition. In addition, unscientific recommendations from some officials replace scientific policies in crisis situations.

Examples of fortune-telling and divination in Iranian sports.

The use of bribes by top league teams: Reports have been published stating that some top football teams in Iran have used bribes for success in matches.

The presence of Romalan in the national team camps: In some international competitions, news has been published about the presence of individuals with claims of energy healing or pseudoscience alongside the national team.

Financial corruption related to witchcraft in football: Some players and managers have revealed that large sums of money have been paid to individuals claiming to predict results and influence games.

Economic reasons and reasons for the expansion of fortune-telling and divination.

Fortune-telling and divination are mainly prevalent in societies where official institutions are unable to respond to the social, economic, and psychological needs of individuals. One of the main reasons for the growth of phenomena such as fortune-telling and divination is the increasing economic uncertainty in society and the darkening of the future outlook. In situations where high inflation rates, severe purchasing power decline, widespread unemployment, and devaluation of the national currency have caused many people to feel unstable, the tendency to predict the future and find alternative solutions to problems increases (Table 1). Behavioral economics studies have shown that in societies with economic instability, the tendency towards superstition and the search for non-scientific ways to solve problems increases (1).

Furthermore, lack of economic transparency and the spread of corruption at various levels of government have led some individuals to resort to informal methods for increasing their wealth or solving their personal problems, instead of relying on scientific and logical solutions (2). On the other hand, the growth of poverty and social inequality has resulted in an increased demand for such services. Sociological studies have shown that in societies with severe economic inequalities, superstitious beliefs and resorting to fortune-telling and divination also increase (3).

Another reason that has influenced the growth of this phenomenon is the strict control of the government over modern institutions such as education, psychology, and counseling. Many people, due to lack of trust in official institutions, turn to alternative methods such as divination, spells, and fortune-telling. In this regard, the underground economy also plays a significant role. Fortune-tellers and diviners usually operate without paying taxes and make up a part of the informal economy that lacks transparency and accountability and is outside the supervision of government institutions.

The connection between fortune-telling and divination with political policies and government discourse.

Authoritarian governments often use superstition as a tool to divert public attention from real economic and political issues. In Iran, some government media, preachers, clerics, and religious leaders directly or indirectly legitimize these beliefs and use them as a means to control public opinion. On the other hand, some spiritual and mystical networks that are involved in fortune-telling and divination have connections with official institutions or at least turn a blind eye to them. In some cases, fortune-tellers and diviners have been used for security and intelligence purposes. There is evidence that some of these individuals collaborate with intelligence agencies and use people’s beliefs for surveillance and control purposes.

Social and economic consequences.

The expansion of fortune-telling and divination has multiple negative consequences for society. One of the most important of these consequences is the decline of public rationality and weakening of critical thinking. In societies where superstition is prevalent, people’s inclination to seek scientific and logical solutions to problems decreases and is replaced by a fatalistic and irrational mindset. (4) This hinders scientific progress and sustainable development (Table 2). Additionally, fortune-telling and divination provide a platform for fraud and economic crimes. Many individuals take advantage of people’s desperation and exploit them for large sums of money. Furthermore, the growth of this phenomenon weakens official institutions such as psychology, medicine, and the legal system, as people turn to non-scientific methods instead of seeking help from professionals.

From an economic and political perspective, one of the most important consequences of this phenomenon is the strengthening of rent-seeking relationships and corrupt networks. In situations where certain groups benefit from this situation, there is no motivation to prevent it. In other words, rent-seeking and corruption can serve as tools to maintain the current situation, as instead of seeking structural changes, people waste their energy on deviant paths.

Conclusion.

Sand divination and fortune-telling in Iran is not just a cultural phenomenon, but rather a part of the informal economy that has grown in the midst of economic uncertainty, systemic corruption, and the government’s use of superstition. On one hand, this phenomenon leads to an increase in economic crimes and a decrease in public rationality, and on the other hand, it serves as a tool to maintain rent-seeking relationships and social control. Combating this phenomenon requires economic reforms, strengthening scientific institutions, and increasing public awareness.

Notes:

1- Ariely, D. (2008).

This text is the title of a book by Dan Ariely, which explores the concept of irrationality in decision-making and how it is influenced by hidden factors.

HarperCollins.

2- For this statement, one can refer to studies in the fields of sociology of religion, informal economy, and social psychology that examine the relationship between the weakness of formal institutions and the spread of superstitious and pseudo-scientific beliefs. Peter Berger explains in The Sacred Canopy that in the absence of modern institutions to provide meaning and security, folk religion and superstitions grow. Banerjee and Duflo show in Poor Economics that in conditions of economic insecurity and weak government, people turn to informal solutions such as witchcraft. Grasham argues in the article Witchcraft Beliefs and the Erosion of Social Capital that in societies with weak social institutions, belief in witchcraft spreads more. Additionally, Kumarov and Kumarov examine in Occult Economies and the Violence of Abstraction how in post-colonial Africa, informal economies and superstitions are intertwined.

3- Inglehart, R., & Baker, W. E. (2000). Modernization, cultural change, and the persistence of traditional values.

The American Sociological Review, 65.

(1), 19-51.

4- Popper, K. (1945).

جامعه باز و دشمنانش

The open society and its enemies.

Routledge.