Faculty of Social Sciences University of TehranWoman in Development & Politics2538-312423420260121Women’s Semantic Construction of the Tradition–Modernity Dichotomy within Charmaz’s Constructivist Grounded Theory FrameworkWomen’s Semantic Construction of the Tradition–Modernity Dichotomy within Charmaz’s Constructivist Grounded Theory Framework62965210486310.22059/jwdp.2025.402456.1008571FAMahmoudrezaRahbarghaziAssociate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.ZahraSadeghinaghdaliPhD in Political Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.MaryamGhorbaniPhD Candidate, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.0000-0002-1110-576XJournal Article20250916Over recent decades, the tension between tradition and modernity in the lives of Iranian women has generated a dual semantic framework that influences their social and political identities. Thus, the primary research question is how this tension between tradition and modernity influences women’s lived experiences and their approaches to reimagining their identities and social roles. This study employs a qualitative methodology grounded in Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory. Data were acquired via semi-structured interviews with 23 women from diverse social and cultural backgrounds in Tabriz and analyzed through initial, focused, and axial coding. The research suggests that women employ two principal approaches: cautious acceptance, which preserves certain traditional norms while embracing modern, contemporary opportunities; and critical resistance, which challenges traditional constraints and redefines gender roles. These two strategies are grounded in structural foundations (such as gender norms, contemporary values, and lived experiences), various environmental influences (including family, institutions, culture, and the economy), and intervening conditions (social, cultural, institutional, and psychological), which manifest across three levels (individual, group, and societal). The findings illustrate a shift from preserving women’s social legitimacy in accordance with traditional expectations to strengthening agency and promoting social transformation. Results indicate that the dual interpretation of tradition and modernity constitutes a reflective and dynamic process, deeply rooted in the regulation of social security and the expression of individuality, all of which contribute to the gradual evolution of women's political and social culture.Over recent decades, the tension between tradition and modernity in the lives of Iranian women has generated a dual semantic framework that influences their social and political identities. Thus, the primary research question is how this tension between tradition and modernity influences women’s lived experiences and their approaches to reimagining their identities and social roles. This study employs a qualitative methodology grounded in Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory. Data were acquired via semi-structured interviews with 23 women from diverse social and cultural backgrounds in Tabriz and analyzed through initial, focused, and axial coding. The research suggests that women employ two principal approaches: cautious acceptance, which preserves certain traditional norms while embracing modern, contemporary opportunities; and critical resistance, which challenges traditional constraints and redefines gender roles. These two strategies are grounded in structural foundations (such as gender norms, contemporary values, and lived experiences), various environmental influences (including family, institutions, culture, and the economy), and intervening conditions (social, cultural, institutional, and psychological), which manifest across three levels (individual, group, and societal). The findings illustrate a shift from preserving women’s social legitimacy in accordance with traditional expectations to strengthening agency and promoting social transformation. Results indicate that the dual interpretation of tradition and modernity constitutes a reflective and dynamic process, deeply rooted in the regulation of social security and the expression of individuality, all of which contribute to the gradual evolution of women's political and social culture.https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_104863_e456e28002629b8857e4ad98f56a850a.pdfFaculty of Social Sciences University of TehranWoman in Development & Politics2538-312423420260121The Fragility of Gender Policies in Second Pahlavi Iran: An Analysis of Women’s Suffrage and Family Protection Law Based on PDIA TheoryThe Fragility of Gender Policies in Second Pahlavi Iran: An Analysis of Women’s Suffrage and Family Protection Law Based on PDIA Theory65367410504810.22059/jwdp.2025.402843.1008572FAFatemeZeynodiniAssistant Professor, Socio-Cultural Governance Department, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.ZahraAbbaspourPhD Candidate, Population and Family Governance, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20250924Legal reforms pertaining to women during the Second Pahlavi era, including the granting of suffrage in 1963 and the enactment of Family Protection Laws in 1967 and 1974, were implemented as part of the state-driven modernization initiative, with the goal of enhancing the political and social status of women. Nevertheless, these interventions did not result in substantial engagement or the enduring institutionalization of women’s rights. A considerable portion of their accomplishments was subsequently nullified following the 1979 Revolution.
This research, employing the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) theory, examines the underlying causes of this failure at both the procedural and structural levels. The present study utilizes a qualitative approach alongside a historical-comparative method. Data were collected through the analysis of legal documents, detailed legislative deliberations, and historical sources, and were analyzed employing open, axial, and selective coding techniques.
The findings indicate that these reforms relied on the formal replication of Western models, swift top-down execution, and an absence of authentic stakeholder engagement, rather than being driven by underlying issues. Owing to the neglect of socio-cultural contexts and the deficiencies in institutional capacity-building, they lacked essential stabilizing support. This analysis suggests that the sustainability of gender reforms depends on a framework that emphasizes accurate problem identification, phased implementation of solutions, ongoing feedback mechanisms, and the enhancement of governance capabilities.
This proposed approach has the potential to avert the recurrence of the failure cycle commonly associated with performative reforms.Legal reforms pertaining to women during the Second Pahlavi era, including the granting of suffrage in 1963 and the enactment of Family Protection Laws in 1967 and 1974, were implemented as part of the state-driven modernization initiative, with the goal of enhancing the political and social status of women. Nevertheless, these interventions did not result in substantial engagement or the enduring institutionalization of women’s rights. A considerable portion of their accomplishments was subsequently nullified following the 1979 Revolution.
This research, employing the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) theory, examines the underlying causes of this failure at both the procedural and structural levels. The present study utilizes a qualitative approach alongside a historical-comparative method. Data were collected through the analysis of legal documents, detailed legislative deliberations, and historical sources, and were analyzed employing open, axial, and selective coding techniques.
The findings indicate that these reforms relied on the formal replication of Western models, swift top-down execution, and an absence of authentic stakeholder engagement, rather than being driven by underlying issues. Owing to the neglect of socio-cultural contexts and the deficiencies in institutional capacity-building, they lacked essential stabilizing support. This analysis suggests that the sustainability of gender reforms depends on a framework that emphasizes accurate problem identification, phased implementation of solutions, ongoing feedback mechanisms, and the enhancement of governance capabilities.
This proposed approach has the potential to avert the recurrence of the failure cycle commonly associated with performative reforms.https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_105048_09fa05be9a54a91e7ae6024151315c90.pdfFaculty of Social Sciences University of TehranWoman in Development & Politics2538-312423420260121Analyzing the Challenges of Selection, Training, and Supervision in Child Adoption from the Perspective of Parents: A Qualitative StudyAnalyzing the Challenges of Selection, Training, and Supervision in Child Adoption from the Perspective of Parents: A Qualitative Study67570810538210.22059/jwdp.2026.403907.1008576FAAlirezaToghyani DowlatabadiMaster Student in Family Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.MasomehEsmaeiliFull Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.MarziyeMadanifarAssistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20251009Adoption, as a vital means of fulfilling parents' desire for a child and providing children in need of a family with responsible guardians, is a multifaceted process that necessitates thorough assessment, specialized training, and ongoing support from prospective parents. This study, employing a qualitative approach and aimed at investigating the experiences of adoptive mothers regarding the challenges encountered during the adoption process, was conducted to establish a scientific foundation for enhancing policies and practices related to selection, education, and supervision. Purposeful sampling encompassed 11 adoptive mothers affiliated with the Welfare Organization, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted employing the thematic analysis method, resulting in the identification of six overarching themes and 12 main sub-themes. The findings indicated that adoptive mothers encounter challenges such as a prolonged and erosive process, ambiguity within the procedure, an inappropriate trajectory of parent-child familiarization, ineffective and non-dynamic evaluation criteria, a lack of comprehensive and effective selection, education, and discontinuation strategies, an absence of professional ethics and dignity-centered approaches in the selection process, deficiencies in monitoring and tracking the family and child’sprogress, limited utilization of available resources and insufficient networking among families, as well as experiencing negative emotions and tangible consequences resulting from systemic inefficiencies. This study underscores the significance of reviewing and enhancing the procedures for selecting, educating, and supervising adoptive parents. Implementing scientific and practical solutions can contribute to improving the quality of life for adoptive families, fostering greater child-parent compatibility, and minimizing negative outcomes resulting from systemic inefficiencies.Adoption, as a vital means of fulfilling parents' desire for a child and providing children in need of a family with responsible guardians, is a multifaceted process that necessitates thorough assessment, specialized training, and ongoing support from prospective parents. This study, employing a qualitative approach and aimed at investigating the experiences of adoptive mothers regarding the challenges encountered during the adoption process, was conducted to establish a scientific foundation for enhancing policies and practices related to selection, education, and supervision. Purposeful sampling encompassed 11 adoptive mothers affiliated with the Welfare Organization, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted employing the thematic analysis method, resulting in the identification of six overarching themes and 12 main sub-themes. The findings indicated that adoptive mothers encounter challenges such as a prolonged and erosive process, ambiguity within the procedure, an inappropriate trajectory of parent-child familiarization, ineffective and non-dynamic evaluation criteria, a lack of comprehensive and effective selection, education, and discontinuation strategies, an absence of professional ethics and dignity-centered approaches in the selection process, deficiencies in monitoring and tracking the family and child’sprogress, limited utilization of available resources and insufficient networking among families, as well as experiencing negative emotions and tangible consequences resulting from systemic inefficiencies. This study underscores the significance of reviewing and enhancing the procedures for selecting, educating, and supervising adoptive parents. Implementing scientific and practical solutions can contribute to improving the quality of life for adoptive families, fostering greater child-parent compatibility, and minimizing negative outcomes resulting from systemic inefficiencies.https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_105382_c8c27c525629bb7fd83c120242a06cd2.pdfFaculty of Social Sciences University of TehranWoman in Development & Politics2538-312423420260121Designing a Conceptual Model of Perfectionism in Gifted Adolescent Girls: A Qualitative StudyDesigning a Conceptual Model of Perfectionism in Gifted Adolescent Girls: A Qualitative Study70973710541110.22059/jwdp.2026.403962.1008578FAZahraAmanollahiAssistant Professor of Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.SamiraHashemiAssistant Professor of Department of Psychology and Counselling, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.FahimehShadabmehrPhD in Counseling, Department of Counseling, Allameh Tabataba`i University, Tehran, Iran.MaryamAghaeeMaster Student in Counseling, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Allameh Tabataba`i University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20251012The current research sought to establish a conceptual model of perfectionism in gifted adolescent girls to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon.
This study utilized a qualitative methodology, with data gathered through the grounded theory approach via semi-structured interviews with the participants. The research population comprised students enrolled in gifted secondary institutions in Tehran and Karaj. Data were gathered through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Sampling proceeded until theoretical saturation was achieved, yielding a total of 13 cases. Data analysis was performed employing Strauss and Corbin’s coding methodology within the grounded theory framework. Findings indicated that, throughout the classification process, the primary category identified was “Striving for self-worth and alignment with an identity grounded in superior cognitive ability.” In addition, the study identified individual characteristics, family expectations, social factors, and educational structure as causal conditions of perfectionism; success-valuing culture and virtual space as contextual factors; coping skills and family support as intervening conditions; two perfectionism-related strategies, namely progress-oriented and avoidance/protection-oriented approaches; and a range of positive and negative consequences of perfectionism in gifted adolescents. Based on the findings, exceptional students—owing to their cognitive capabilities—confront elevated and particular expectations from themselves, their families, educational institutions, and society. Consequently, their encounters with perfectionism, although promoting academic development and success, may also give rise to various psychological hazards. Therefore, families and educational institutions engaging with such students should prioritize the review and enhancement of their educational and developmental standards and practices.The current research sought to establish a conceptual model of perfectionism in gifted adolescent girls to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon.
This study utilized a qualitative methodology, with data gathered through the grounded theory approach via semi-structured interviews with the participants. The research population comprised students enrolled in gifted secondary institutions in Tehran and Karaj. Data were gathered through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Sampling proceeded until theoretical saturation was achieved, yielding a total of 13 cases. Data analysis was performed employing Strauss and Corbin’s coding methodology within the grounded theory framework. Findings indicated that, throughout the classification process, the primary category identified was “Striving for self-worth and alignment with an identity grounded in superior cognitive ability.” In addition, the study identified individual characteristics, family expectations, social factors, and educational structure as causal conditions of perfectionism; success-valuing culture and virtual space as contextual factors; coping skills and family support as intervening conditions; two perfectionism-related strategies, namely progress-oriented and avoidance/protection-oriented approaches; and a range of positive and negative consequences of perfectionism in gifted adolescents. Based on the findings, exceptional students—owing to their cognitive capabilities—confront elevated and particular expectations from themselves, their families, educational institutions, and society. Consequently, their encounters with perfectionism, although promoting academic development and success, may also give rise to various psychological hazards. Therefore, families and educational institutions engaging with such students should prioritize the review and enhancement of their educational and developmental standards and practices.https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_105411_623dc0cc9a7a05c0b5d1572760e2cf10.pdfFaculty of Social Sciences University of TehranWoman in Development & Politics2538-312423420260121Behind the Council Doors: A Qualitative Analysis of Women’s Post-Election Experiences in Islamic City CouncilsBehind the Council Doors: A Qualitative Analysis of Women’s Post-Election Experiences in Islamic City Councils73976910570810.22059/jwdp.2026.407181.1008588FARezaHemmatiAssociate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan.MahsaShoeibiPhD Student of Sociology, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.Journal Article20251128Local Islamic councils, as the representative entities of urban and rural governance, have generated novel opportunities for women’s political and social participation; however, their presence remains limited and constrained by structural barriers. This study employs semi-structured interviews with 17 women councilors in Isfahan Province who were selected through purposive sampling to explore and interpret their experiences after entering the councils. Using thematic analysis supported by MAXQDA software, four main themes were identified: (1) the council as a chllanging field; (2) navigating institutional pressures while simultaneously relying on support networks; (3) strategic orientation along a continuum from passive adaptation to agentic resistance; and (4) positioning women at the center of attention. The findings reveal that the male-dominated composition of the councils and profoundly embedded gender norms create an institutional environment in which women encounter role pressures, doubts about their competence, gender stereotypes, and marginalization from decision-making processes. These dynamics intensifyexacerbate the conflicts between family and organizational responsibilities and amplify the ongoing demand to prove their capabilities, thereby increasing stress and role fatigue. Despite these constraints, women engage in strategies such as networking, negotiation, incremental resistance, and prioritizing the practical requirements of women in their communities to reshape decision-making spaces and enhance gender sensitivity in local policies.However, the transformative impact of such agency remains limited within patriarchal institutional structures. Strengthening women’s effective participation ultimately requires institutional reforms and greater representation of women in higher levels of local governance.Local Islamic councils, as the representative entities of urban and rural governance, have generated novel opportunities for women’s political and social participation; however, their presence remains limited and constrained by structural barriers. This study employs semi-structured interviews with 17 women councilors in Isfahan Province who were selected through purposive sampling to explore and interpret their experiences after entering the councils. Using thematic analysis supported by MAXQDA software, four main themes were identified: (1) the council as a chllanging field; (2) navigating institutional pressures while simultaneously relying on support networks; (3) strategic orientation along a continuum from passive adaptation to agentic resistance; and (4) positioning women at the center of attention. The findings reveal that the male-dominated composition of the councils and profoundly embedded gender norms create an institutional environment in which women encounter role pressures, doubts about their competence, gender stereotypes, and marginalization from decision-making processes. These dynamics intensifyexacerbate the conflicts between family and organizational responsibilities and amplify the ongoing demand to prove their capabilities, thereby increasing stress and role fatigue. Despite these constraints, women engage in strategies such as networking, negotiation, incremental resistance, and prioritizing the practical requirements of women in their communities to reshape decision-making spaces and enhance gender sensitivity in local policies.However, the transformative impact of such agency remains limited within patriarchal institutional structures. Strengthening women’s effective participation ultimately requires institutional reforms and greater representation of women in higher levels of local governance.https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_105708_ae25f7406445235acbfa06c12ff96353.pdfFaculty of Social Sciences University of TehranWoman in Development & Politics2538-312423420260121Causal-Structural Analysis of Glass Ceiling Barriers in the Career Advancement of Female Librarians at Payame Noor University Using DEMATEL and ANP TechniquesCausal-Structural Analysis of Glass Ceiling Barriers in the Career Advancement of Female Librarians at Payame Noor University Using DEMATEL and ANP Techniques77180510580910.22059/jwdp.2026.407798.1008591FASaeedKian PoorAssistant Professor, Department of Economics, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.Mohamad MehdiMohebiAssistant Professor, Department of Management, Payame Noor University, ،Tehran, Iran.EbrahimMokhtari NabiAssistant Professor, Department of Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.SepidehAzimiInstructor, Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Basic and General Studies, Technical and Vocational University(TVU), Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20251208This study conducted a causal-structural analysis of the glass ceiling barriers that impede the career advancement of female librarians at Payame Noor University. It investigates this invisible gender barrier, which restrictswomen’s promotion to managerial positions, by identifying causal relationships and weighing influencing factors to inform empowerment strategies. The qualitative portion of the research was initiated by employing a mixed-methods sequential design. Thematic analysis of data from open-ended questionnaires was conducted in Python. In the quantitative phase, 100 female librarians were selected via cluster sampling and were required to complete a validated 19-item questionnaire created by the researcher (Cronbach’s α = 0.917). The data were analyzed in Python using DEMATEL for causal modeling and ANP for prioritization.<br />The results revealed 19 influential factors, with personal constraints associated with the perception of the glass ceiling—specifically, perceived discrimination and its impact (weights 0.28 and 0.25)—being the most significant variables. Structural factors, such as family responsibilities and masculine organizational culture, also demonstrated significant causal relationships with career advancement. These results corroborate that the professional development of female librarians is significantly restricted by the glass ceiling.<br />To resolve this issue, the study suggests that Payame Noor University implement targeted interventions, including systematic discrimination monitoring, gender empowerment training, and work-life balance policies, in order to promote equal opportunity. These insights can serve as a basis for institutional change and can direct the development of national higher education policy in the direction of increased gender equity.This study conducted a causal-structural analysis of the glass ceiling barriers that impede the career advancement of female librarians at Payame Noor University. It investigates this invisible gender barrier, which restrictswomen’s promotion to managerial positions, by identifying causal relationships and weighing influencing factors to inform empowerment strategies. The qualitative portion of the research was initiated by employing a mixed-methods sequential design. Thematic analysis of data from open-ended questionnaires was conducted in Python. In the quantitative phase, 100 female librarians were selected via cluster sampling and were required to complete a validated 19-item questionnaire created by the researcher (Cronbach’s α = 0.917). The data were analyzed in Python using DEMATEL for causal modeling and ANP for prioritization.<br />The results revealed 19 influential factors, with personal constraints associated with the perception of the glass ceiling—specifically, perceived discrimination and its impact (weights 0.28 and 0.25)—being the most significant variables. Structural factors, such as family responsibilities and masculine organizational culture, also demonstrated significant causal relationships with career advancement. These results corroborate that the professional development of female librarians is significantly restricted by the glass ceiling.<br />To resolve this issue, the study suggests that Payame Noor University implement targeted interventions, including systematic discrimination monitoring, gender empowerment training, and work-life balance policies, in order to promote equal opportunity. These insights can serve as a basis for institutional change and can direct the development of national higher education policy in the direction of increased gender equity.https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_105809_a4c14dc3dc7d5c4d20c198af21f562df.pdfFaculty of Social Sciences University of TehranWoman in Development & Politics2538-312423420260121The Cultural and Social Presence of Women in Local Activities and Organizations: Toward a Model of Women’s Activism in the Islamic Republic of IranThe Cultural and Social Presence of Women in Local Activities and Organizations: Toward a Model of Women’s Activism in the Islamic Republic of Iran80784110587710.22059/jwdp.2026.408694.1008594FASamanehMansouriAssistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.MojtabaSamadiPhD in Communication Sciences, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20251224Women’s participation and agency have been the foundation and execution of at least half of the cultural and social initiatives that have emerged in Iranian society subsequent to the Islamic Revolution. However, there has been a dearth of scholarly research that has concentrated on the position and role of women, with a particular emphasis on cultural and social activities, in the process of shaping and advancing the discourse of the Islamic Revolution. Subsequently, this article endeavors to address the question of how women's cultural and social activism is demonstrated in local and national activities and organizations in Iran, and whether it is feasible to establish a model that elucidates this activism through revolutionary approaches. In order to address this question and extract a model, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with active and successful women who are engaged in the establishment and management of local cultural organizations and activities throughout the country. Consequently, the grounded theory method was employed to identify and analyze the roles of women in these activities and forms of activism, as well as the relevant conditions and contexts, causal factors, strategies and approaches that women adopted, and the consequences and impacts of these forms of women’s activism on the local and indigenous ecosystem. Ultimately, a paradigm-based model was developed. This model conceptualizes women’s activism as a methodical, problem-solving approach that is rooted in the lived experiences of women, divinely inspired, empowering, simple, and local, obedient to guardianship (Velayat), educational and religious, family-oriented, and methodical in its feminine form.Women’s participation and agency have been the foundation and execution of at least half of the cultural and social initiatives that have emerged in Iranian society subsequent to the Islamic Revolution. However, there has been a dearth of scholarly research that has concentrated on the position and role of women, with a particular emphasis on cultural and social activities, in the process of shaping and advancing the discourse of the Islamic Revolution. Subsequently, this article endeavors to address the question of how women's cultural and social activism is demonstrated in local and national activities and organizations in Iran, and whether it is feasible to establish a model that elucidates this activism through revolutionary approaches. In order to address this question and extract a model, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with active and successful women who are engaged in the establishment and management of local cultural organizations and activities throughout the country. Consequently, the grounded theory method was employed to identify and analyze the roles of women in these activities and forms of activism, as well as the relevant conditions and contexts, causal factors, strategies and approaches that women adopted, and the consequences and impacts of these forms of women’s activism on the local and indigenous ecosystem. Ultimately, a paradigm-based model was developed. This model conceptualizes women’s activism as a methodical, problem-solving approach that is rooted in the lived experiences of women, divinely inspired, empowering, simple, and local, obedient to guardianship (Velayat), educational and religious, family-oriented, and methodical in its feminine form.https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_105877_c0de47b7036598365648a1a2f46e6760.pdf