The theory-practice gap in Tehran's urban planning and management: an epistemological pathology of previous research

Pazhuhan, Mousa

doi:10.22034/uep.2026.552132.1737

The theory-practice gap in Tehran's urban planning and management: an epistemological pathology of previous research

Document Type : Viewpoint

Author

Mousa Pazhuhan

Ph.D. graduated from Tehran University, independent researcher in urban and regional planning, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/uep.2026.552132.1737

Abstract

The theory-practice gap in urban management and planning in Iran, particularly in Tehran, has led to urban management and planning theories remaining extensively theoretical, not supporting urban management practices. This has resulted in costly, time-consuming trial-and-error processes. This study aims to identify relevant research addressing the theory-practice gap in urban management and planning, utilizing an epistemological pathology approach. Furthermore, it seeks to propose solutions for the accurate redefinition and reformulation of the issue concerning the theory-practice gap within the context of Tehran. The research methodology was chosen in alignment with the established objectives and research questions, employing a critical evaluation grounded in a synthesis of the evaluation frameworks proposed by Jung and Solomon, as well as Alvesson and Sandberg. The statistical sample for this study encompasses all research conducted regarding the theory-practice gap in urban management and planning in Iran and Tehran. A sample comprising 38% of the statistical population, equivalent to 15 documented research works, was selected for critical evaluation. The findings of this study indicate that research within this domain has not succeeded in establishing new methodological and epistemological frameworks to bridge the gap. This shortcoming arises from a failure to critically interrogate the theoretical assumptions inherent in dominant urban management paradigms as well as from a lack of theoretical comprehensiveness and intellectual diversity. Consequently, this has led to inconsistencies in the presentation of evidence and results.

Keywords

Local experience and development theory

Theoretical epistemology

Theory-practice gap

Tehran

Urban management

Subjects

Urban planning

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