Volume 25, Issue 96 (3-2025)
refahj 2025, 25(96): 225-274 |
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Zare H, Shiani M. (2025). A sociological study of women's role in the social development of urbanizing rural areas. refahj. 25(96), : 9 doi:10.32598/refahj.24.94.1240.3
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4264-en.html
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4264-en.html
Keywords: Social Development, Development and Gender, Development and Women, Gender, Women, Rural-Urban Areas
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Extended abstract
Introduction
The participation of men and women in development processes has been a focal point in understanding how development impacts them differently. Notably, women have not experienced development in the same way as men. Within this context, two key considerations consistently emerge in studies on development and women:1) The impact of economic and social development processes on women.2) The nature of women’s participation in these development processes. In Iran, “rural-urban areas” are an emerging phenomenon shaped by the “confrontation” approach, which arises from unbalanced development, excessive migration to metropolises, and the neglect of the agricultural sector. Mohammadshahr, located in the central part of Karaj city, has transformed into an urban area due to widespread migration. Evidence suggests that changing traditional roles of women increases the demand for their participation in development processes. However, these women face challenges from rural values and traditions on one hand and the broader development process for Iranian women on the other. Although they have entered public arenas and enjoy favorable status based on quantitative social development indicators, their status is not satisfactory concerning qualitative indicators. Consequently, these women must contend with major issues at the macro level and those arising from their place of residence, which is closely tied to enduring rural traditions. Given the current focus of development and women’s specialists on qualitative indicators and a review of empirical studies, it is clear that research in Iran has predominantly focused on quantitative studies. Therefore, there is a need to emphasize qualitative studies considering the various cultural and social contexts of rural-urban areas in Iran. This study aims to examine the sociological status of women in the social development of rural cities, with Mohammadshahr, Karaj, as a case study.
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 eight, and one group of five members. The groups of 16 and eight included participants separate from those in the individual interviews, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. The group of five included individuals who had also participated in individual interviews, providing a deeper understanding of their experiences through collective discussion.
Finding
The research findings indicate that the circumstances affecting women in Mohammadshahr, Iran, are shaped by the broader framework of women’s macro-level development initiatives in the country. The situation varies across different dimensions: while some aspects show less favorable conditions, such as specific characteristics, others exhibit more positive outcomes, such as the presence of female entrepreneurs or lower divorce rates. A critical developmental challenge in this locality revolves around limited employment opportunities, inadequate skill development among women, and instances of gender-based discrimination. The presence of diverse subcultures within Mohammadshahr complicates the generalization of certain characteristics. While physical infrastructures like schools, health facilities, and hospitals are relatively sufficient, significant challenges arise from the absence of leadership engagement, limited community awareness in utilizing available resources. Consequently, women experience notable deficits in mental and psychological empowerment.
Key themes identified in this study encompass women’s agency, social institutions, cultural constraints, and the prevalence of female-headed households. Overall, developmental benchmarks in the region reveal notable complexities in educational outcomes. Despite national efforts to improve women’s educational attainment levels, cultural norms often compel families to prematurely end their daughters’ education, leading them into early marriages. 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/cultural constraints, the 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. In reality, institutional structures like patriarchy, the preference for male children, the strong influence of tradition, the lack of development institutions, cultural restrictions, and institutionalized gender discrimination are what explain gender inequality and the 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.
Ethical Considerations
All authors have equally contributed to the conception, development, and writing of this manuscript. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Introduction
The participation of men and women in development processes has been a focal point in understanding how development impacts them differently. Notably, women have not experienced development in the same way as men. Within this context, two key considerations consistently emerge in studies on development and women:1) The impact of economic and social development processes on women.2) The nature of women’s participation in these development processes. In Iran, “rural-urban areas” are an emerging phenomenon shaped by the “confrontation” approach, which arises from unbalanced development, excessive migration to metropolises, and the neglect of the agricultural sector. Mohammadshahr, located in the central part of Karaj city, has transformed into an urban area due to widespread migration. Evidence suggests that changing traditional roles of women increases the demand for their participation in development processes. However, these women face challenges from rural values and traditions on one hand and the broader development process for Iranian women on the other. Although they have entered public arenas and enjoy favorable status based on quantitative social development indicators, their status is not satisfactory concerning qualitative indicators. Consequently, these women must contend with major issues at the macro level and those arising from their place of residence, which is closely tied to enduring rural traditions. Given the current focus of development and women’s specialists on qualitative indicators and a review of empirical studies, it is clear that research in Iran has predominantly focused on quantitative studies. Therefore, there is a need to emphasize qualitative studies considering the various cultural and social contexts of rural-urban areas in Iran. This study aims to examine the sociological status of women in the social development of rural cities, with Mohammadshahr, Karaj, as a case study.
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 eight, and one group of five members. The groups of 16 and eight included participants separate from those in the individual interviews, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. The group of five included individuals who had also participated in individual interviews, providing a deeper understanding of their experiences through collective discussion.
Finding
The research findings indicate that the circumstances affecting women in Mohammadshahr, Iran, are shaped by the broader framework of women’s macro-level development initiatives in the country. The situation varies across different dimensions: while some aspects show less favorable conditions, such as specific characteristics, others exhibit more positive outcomes, such as the presence of female entrepreneurs or lower divorce rates. A critical developmental challenge in this locality revolves around limited employment opportunities, inadequate skill development among women, and instances of gender-based discrimination. The presence of diverse subcultures within Mohammadshahr complicates the generalization of certain characteristics. While physical infrastructures like schools, health facilities, and hospitals are relatively sufficient, significant challenges arise from the absence of leadership engagement, limited community awareness in utilizing available resources. Consequently, women experience notable deficits in mental and psychological empowerment.
Key themes identified in this study encompass women’s agency, social institutions, cultural constraints, and the prevalence of female-headed households. Overall, developmental benchmarks in the region reveal notable complexities in educational outcomes. Despite national efforts to improve women’s educational attainment levels, cultural norms often compel families to prematurely end their daughters’ education, leading them into early marriages. 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/cultural constraints, the 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. In reality, institutional structures like patriarchy, the preference for male children, the strong influence of tradition, the lack of development institutions, cultural restrictions, and institutionalized gender discrimination are what explain gender inequality and the 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.
Ethical Considerations
All authors have equally contributed to the conception, development, and writing of this manuscript. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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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