Volume 26, Issue 2 (8-2026)
Social Welfare Quarterly 2026, 26(2): 9-44 |
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Ebrahiminia S, Afshani S, Ruhani A, Torkashvand-MoradAbadi M. (2026). The Formation Process of Begging among Older Adults in Tehran. Social Welfare Quarterly. 26(2), 9-44. doi:10.32598/refahj.26.2.1140.3
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4484-en.html
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4484-en.html
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
The text highlights that population aging, driven by increased life expectancy and declining fertility, has generated serious social, economic, and institutional challenges in Iran. A critical manifestation of elderly vulnerability is the growing presence of older adults begging in urban spaces, particularly Tehran, as a result of poverty, social exclusion, and institutional shortcomings. To address the lack of research on this group, the study employs a grounded theory approach to examine the social and cognitive processes that lead elderly individuals in Tehran to beg, with the goal of informing context-sensitive policies and interventions.
Method
This study adopts an interpretive, qualitative approach grounded in grounded theory to explore the lived experiences of elderly beggars in Tehran. Using purposive and theoretical sampling, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals over 60 from diverse city districts, revealing both widespread geographic presence and shared socioeconomic vulnerabilities—most notably low education or illiteracy. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously through open, axial, and selective coding. To ensure credibility and rigor, the researcher employed prolonged field engagement, peer review, participant validation, and reflexivity, alongside rich descriptive analysis grounded in an awareness of social knowledge construction.
Findings
The study demonstrates that population aging in Iran is deeply shaped by broader economic, social, and political changes. As the role of the state declines, welfare structures weaken, and the traditional supportive functions of the family erode, old age has become increasingly precarious. Access to different forms of capital—economic, social, cultural, and health—is thus crucial in determining the quality of life in later years.
The findings reveal that aging in Iran is highly stratified and multidimensional, characterized by sharp inequalities in older adults’ lived experiences. Elderly people with limited forms of capital are more exposed to poverty, social exclusion, informal work, and even begging, particularly as both state and family safety nets shrink. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for targeted policies and stronger social support systems to reduce vulnerability among the elderly and to prevent the deepening of inequalities within the aging population.
Discussion
Studies show that elderly begging is primarily driven by family crises, weak or inefficient support systems, and economic hardship. Sociological perspectives emphasize that inadequate formal and informal support can push older adults toward begging. To mitigate this phenomenon, experts highlight the need to strengthen welfare structures, adopt sustainable social policies, and expand employment and income-generating opportunities. They also stress that addressing elderly begging in Tehran requires rigorous, specialized research to identify who elderly beggars are and to understand their living conditions, so that evidence-based, context-appropriate interventions can be designed to both reduce begging and improve the quality of life of older adults.
Ethical Consideration:
Compliance with ethical guidelines
In the present study, all ethical considerations, including the conditions of trustworthiness, honesty, and non-plagiarism, were observed
Authors’ contributions
All authors have made substantial contributions to this study.
Funding
This study was not funded.
Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all those who contributed to this study.
Introduction
The text highlights that population aging, driven by increased life expectancy and declining fertility, has generated serious social, economic, and institutional challenges in Iran. A critical manifestation of elderly vulnerability is the growing presence of older adults begging in urban spaces, particularly Tehran, as a result of poverty, social exclusion, and institutional shortcomings. To address the lack of research on this group, the study employs a grounded theory approach to examine the social and cognitive processes that lead elderly individuals in Tehran to beg, with the goal of informing context-sensitive policies and interventions.
Method
This study adopts an interpretive, qualitative approach grounded in grounded theory to explore the lived experiences of elderly beggars in Tehran. Using purposive and theoretical sampling, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals over 60 from diverse city districts, revealing both widespread geographic presence and shared socioeconomic vulnerabilities—most notably low education or illiteracy. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously through open, axial, and selective coding. To ensure credibility and rigor, the researcher employed prolonged field engagement, peer review, participant validation, and reflexivity, alongside rich descriptive analysis grounded in an awareness of social knowledge construction.
Findings
The study demonstrates that population aging in Iran is deeply shaped by broader economic, social, and political changes. As the role of the state declines, welfare structures weaken, and the traditional supportive functions of the family erode, old age has become increasingly precarious. Access to different forms of capital—economic, social, cultural, and health—is thus crucial in determining the quality of life in later years.
The findings reveal that aging in Iran is highly stratified and multidimensional, characterized by sharp inequalities in older adults’ lived experiences. Elderly people with limited forms of capital are more exposed to poverty, social exclusion, informal work, and even begging, particularly as both state and family safety nets shrink. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for targeted policies and stronger social support systems to reduce vulnerability among the elderly and to prevent the deepening of inequalities within the aging population.
Discussion
Studies show that elderly begging is primarily driven by family crises, weak or inefficient support systems, and economic hardship. Sociological perspectives emphasize that inadequate formal and informal support can push older adults toward begging. To mitigate this phenomenon, experts highlight the need to strengthen welfare structures, adopt sustainable social policies, and expand employment and income-generating opportunities. They also stress that addressing elderly begging in Tehran requires rigorous, specialized research to identify who elderly beggars are and to understand their living conditions, so that evidence-based, context-appropriate interventions can be designed to both reduce begging and improve the quality of life of older adults.
Ethical Consideration:
Compliance with ethical guidelines
In the present study, all ethical considerations, including the conditions of trustworthiness, honesty, and non-plagiarism, were observed
Authors’ contributions
All authors have made substantial contributions to this study.
Funding
This study was not funded.
Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all those who contributed to this study.
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2025/06/14 | Accepted: 2026/02/3 | Published: 2026/08/31
Received: 2025/06/14 | Accepted: 2026/02/3 | Published: 2026/08/31
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