Volume 25, Issue 99 (1-2026)
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Partovi Asl M, Golabi F, Abbaszadeh M. (2026). The Phenomenological Study of Traditional Market Traders' Experiences of Helping in the Market Space: Causes and Consequences. refahj. 25(99), : 9
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4456-en.html
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4456-en.html
Abstract: (13 Views)
Introduction: The tradition of mutual aid is a fundamental component of social capital in traditional bazaars, fostering relationships built on trust, cooperation, and reciprocal support among traders. While the phenomenon of helping in Iran’s traditional markets has been examined from various social and economic viewpoints, this study addresses a central question: What are the lived experiences of traditional market traders regarding helping within the marketplace, and what factors contribute to the persistence or decline of this tradition?
Method: This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Participants comprised 13 experienced traders from the traditional bazaar of Tabriz, selected via snowball sampling until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method.
Findings: The analysis of interviews revealed five central themes that capture the essence of helping in the traditional bazaar. Social capital emerged as a foundational theme, grounded in trust, shared religious values, and reciprocal expectations. This is closely tied to a continuous process of socialization, whereby norms of mutual assistance are learned and reproduced across generations within the bazaar community. Traders also engage in situational collaboration, offering spontaneous, context-sensitive support during daily market activities. These interactions are facilitated by explicit communication networks that enable clear and reliable information exchange. Underpinning these dynamics is a non-class-based lifestyle, which fosters a sense of equality and solidarity among traders, transcending rigid social hierarchies and reinforcing a collective identity oriented toward mutual aid.
Discussion: The findings suggest that helping behaviors in traditional bazaars emerge from the interplay of social, cultural, and economic dimensions. Key reinforcing factors include social capital grounded in trust and shared religious values, continuous socialization processes, context-driven collaboration, well-defined communication networks, and a lifestyle that transcends rigid class distinctions. Understanding these elements is crucial for comprehending how traditional markets sustain social cohesion and mutual support.
Method: This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Participants comprised 13 experienced traders from the traditional bazaar of Tabriz, selected via snowball sampling until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method.
Findings: The analysis of interviews revealed five central themes that capture the essence of helping in the traditional bazaar. Social capital emerged as a foundational theme, grounded in trust, shared religious values, and reciprocal expectations. This is closely tied to a continuous process of socialization, whereby norms of mutual assistance are learned and reproduced across generations within the bazaar community. Traders also engage in situational collaboration, offering spontaneous, context-sensitive support during daily market activities. These interactions are facilitated by explicit communication networks that enable clear and reliable information exchange. Underpinning these dynamics is a non-class-based lifestyle, which fosters a sense of equality and solidarity among traders, transcending rigid social hierarchies and reinforcing a collective identity oriented toward mutual aid.
Discussion: The findings suggest that helping behaviors in traditional bazaars emerge from the interplay of social, cultural, and economic dimensions. Key reinforcing factors include social capital grounded in trust and shared religious values, continuous socialization processes, context-driven collaboration, well-defined communication networks, and a lifestyle that transcends rigid class distinctions. Understanding these elements is crucial for comprehending how traditional markets sustain social cohesion and mutual support.
Article number: 9
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2025/04/16 | Accepted: 2025/11/9 | Published: 2026/01/27
Received: 2025/04/16 | Accepted: 2025/11/9 | Published: 2026/01/27
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