Abstract: (1023 Views)
A sociological study of women's role in the social development of urbanizing rural areas
Introduction: The development of a society relies on the strength and participation of its members, characterized by progress across various sectors. In rural-urban and marginal areas, which consist of diverse social strata and groups with different statuses, it is crucial for women to have opportunities that extend beyond traditional roles. By participating in important decision-making processes—such as economic planning and educational reforms—women can significantly influence their communities' growth. This study, therefore, aims to examine the sociological status of women in the social development of these areas, shedding light on how their empowerment can lead to broader societal benefits.
Method: This study employs a qualitative research method, utilizing thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis. Data were collected through both individual and group interviews. In total, 32 women were interviewed using a purposive sampling method to ensure a diverse and relevant sample. To compare and complete the results of the individual interviews, group interviews were also conducted. These group interviews consisted of three groups of women: one group of 16, one group of 8, and one group of 5 members. The groups of 16 and 8 included participants separate from those in the individual interviews, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. The group of 5 included individuals who had also participated in individual interviews, providing a deeper understanding of their experiences through collective discussion.
Finding: The analysis, conducted using MaxQDA, reveals that the most critical priorities in the main themes of the interviews related to the social development process are agency, social institutions and cultural constraints, security, and female heads of households. In the sub-themes, highlighted issues include problems arising from tradition for female heads of households, the determining role of tradition and religion, preference for male children, marriage status, and divorce status. Considering the overall development trend in Iran, the lower participation of women in social development at both macro and micro levels can be attributed to persistent social traditions. The lack of necessary education and skills results in women being deprived of equal opportunities. Additionally, socialization processes, or gender socialization, exacerbate this issue, leading to greater isolation and marginalization of women.
Discussion Given the social and cultural context of the region, policymaking and planning in social domains necessitate cultural sensitivity and a comprehensive understanding of individuals' social conditions. Fundamental changes must be implemented in socialization processes and the definition of social roles for women at both macro and micro levels. For instance, addressing the issues highlighted in the findings—such as the preference for male children and the constraints imposed by tradition and religion—requires targeted educational and policy interventions. These interventions should aim to equip women with the necessary skills and opportunities, thereby enabling them to participate more fully in social development. Moreover, redefining gender roles through inclusive socialization processes can help mitigate the isolation and marginalization of women, fostering a more equitable and progressive society.
Keywords: Social Development, Development and Gender, Development and Women, Gender, Women, Rural-Urban Areas
Introduction: The development of a society relies on the strength and participation of its members, characterized by progress across various sectors. In rural-urban and marginal areas, which consist of diverse social strata and groups with different statuses, it is crucial for women to have opportunities that extend beyond traditional roles. By participating in important decision-making processes—such as economic planning and educational reforms—women can significantly influence their communities' growth. This study, therefore, aims to examine the sociological status of women in the social development of these areas, shedding light on how their empowerment can lead to broader societal benefits.
Method: This study employs a qualitative research method, utilizing thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis. Data were collected through both individual and group interviews. In total, 32 women were interviewed using a purposive sampling method to ensure a diverse and relevant sample. To compare and complete the results of the individual interviews, group interviews were also conducted. These group interviews consisted of three groups of women: one group of 16, one group of 8, and one group of 5 members. The groups of 16 and 8 included participants separate from those in the individual interviews, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. The group of 5 included individuals who had also participated in individual interviews, providing a deeper understanding of their experiences through collective discussion.
Finding: The analysis, conducted using MaxQDA, reveals that the most critical priorities in the main themes of the interviews related to the social development process are agency, social institutions and cultural constraints, security, and female heads of households. In the sub-themes, highlighted issues include problems arising from tradition for female heads of households, the determining role of tradition and religion, preference for male children, marriage status, and divorce status. Considering the overall development trend in Iran, the lower participation of women in social development at both macro and micro levels can be attributed to persistent social traditions. The lack of necessary education and skills results in women being deprived of equal opportunities. Additionally, socialization processes, or gender socialization, exacerbate this issue, leading to greater isolation and marginalization of women.
Discussion Given the social and cultural context of the region, policymaking and planning in social domains necessitate cultural sensitivity and a comprehensive understanding of individuals' social conditions. Fundamental changes must be implemented in socialization processes and the definition of social roles for women at both macro and micro levels. For instance, addressing the issues highlighted in the findings—such as the preference for male children and the constraints imposed by tradition and religion—requires targeted educational and policy interventions. These interventions should aim to equip women with the necessary skills and opportunities, thereby enabling them to participate more fully in social development. Moreover, redefining gender roles through inclusive socialization processes can help mitigate the isolation and marginalization of women, fostering a more equitable and progressive society.
Keywords: Social Development, Development and Gender, Development and Women, Gender, Women, Rural-Urban Areas
Article number: 4
Keywords: Social Development, Development and Gender, Development and Women, Gender, Women, Rural-Urban Areas
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2023/10/8 | Accepted: 2024/07/22 | Published: 2024/10/5
Received: 2023/10/8 | Accepted: 2024/07/22 | Published: 2024/10/5
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Social Welfare Quarterly
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