Women's Studies
Nayereh Ahmadi; Tooba Shakeri Golpaygani; Shohre Rowshani; Maryam Jamali
Abstract
Women are subjected to distressing circumstances during the decision-making process and in the post-abortion period as a result of intentional abortion. The objective of this investigation is to ascertain the coping mechanisms that women employ when confronted with the consequences of intentional abortion. ...
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Women are subjected to distressing circumstances during the decision-making process and in the post-abortion period as a result of intentional abortion. The objective of this investigation is to ascertain the coping mechanisms that women employ when confronted with the consequences of intentional abortion. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 women who had experienced intentional abortion in Alborz Province in 2024. The findings of this study indicate that women implement a variety of coping strategies when confronted with intentional abortions. These strategies can be classified into four primary approaches: “protective-restorative actions,” “moral reckoning,” “justification-building,” and “comprehensive avoidance.” The “justification-building” approach integrates rational, religious, and social arguments to transform abortion from a stigma to a legitimate and inevitable decision within specific life circumstances. The “comprehensive avoidance” approach serves as a defensive mechanism, employing cognitive-emotional strategies to alleviate the psychological burden of this decision. The “moral reckoning” approach is indicative of the critical reflection and reevaluation of this experience within the context of women’s personal value systems. Finally, “protective-restorative actions” illustrate systematic endeavors to mitigate the repercussions by implementing compensatory and preventative measures. Collectively, these strategies symbolize women’s endeavors to preserve psychosocial equilibrium within the existing cultural, social, and religious context. An evidence framework for the development of comprehensive reproductive policies and targeted psychological interventions in Alborz Province can be established by the study's findings. Such initiatives have the potential to prevent intentional abortions and reduce their negative psychosocial consequences by incorporating the adaptive strategies identified in counseling services.
Women's Studies
Meysam Noori Khanyourdi; Sakineh Lotfi Fard Shokarloo; Mir Hassan Seyyed Ameri; Kamilla Swart
Abstract
Urban branding is a critical component of urban development, as it contributes to economic growth, attracts tourism, and strengthens identity. However, Tehran’s cultural and social assets, particularly women’s participation in athletics, are underutilized as a result of inadequate policymaking, ...
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Urban branding is a critical component of urban development, as it contributes to economic growth, attracts tourism, and strengthens identity. However, Tehran’s cultural and social assets, particularly women’s participation in athletics, are underutilized as a result of inadequate policymaking, limited media coverage, and male-centric perspectives. This study examines the impact of women’s sports participation and its media representation on Tehran’s urban branding. The research is descriptive-survey in method and applied in purpose. Convenience sampling was employed to acquire a total of 342 valid questionnaires from female athletes, coaches, sports managers, and Tehran municipality officials. Standard Likert-scale questionnaires were employed to measure the variables, including urban identity, city image, competitiveness, women’s sports participation, and media coverage. The instruments’ reliability was affirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients that exceeded 0.7, and their validity was verified by sports management experts. The data were analyzed using SPSS-25 and SmartPLS-3, with the bootstrap and Sobel tests being implemented. The results indicated that urban branding was significantly positively impacted by women’s sports participation (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), with media coverage functioning as a mediating factor that exacerbated this relationship (VAF = 15%). The significance of targeted media strategies, the development of sports infrastructure for women, and the creation of opportunities for their participation at various sporting levels to enhance the city brand and accomplish sustainable development is underscored by these findings.
Women's Studies
Zahra Mirhosseini; Narges Mojtahedi
Abstract
In order to investigate the lived experiences of women with respect to the obstacles and difficulties associated with having additional children, this investigation implements a qualitative methodology. The research employs Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis method to analyze the narratives ...
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In order to investigate the lived experiences of women with respect to the obstacles and difficulties associated with having additional children, this investigation implements a qualitative methodology. The research employs Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis method to analyze the narratives of 18 married women residing in Tehran Province, as evidenced by semi-structured interviews. The results indicate four overarching themes: financial and livelihood concerns, attitudinal conflicts regarding reproduction, changes in parental responsibility patterns, and health-related challenges to fertility. These are further articulated through twelve interrelated subthemes: economic instability and household livelihood crisis; anxiety over securing stable employment; concerns about the cost and quality of child-rearing; the influence of consumerism, welfare ideals, and digital media on reproductive decisions; the cultural devaluation of motherhood and stigmatization of large families; existential pessimism toward the meaning of life and procreation; distrust in formal educational institutions; pervasive penetration of virtual space into family dynamics; individualized and unilateral motherhood; psychological exhaustion from role conflicts; unequal access to infertility treatment; and structural shortcomings in health insurance coverage. The most frequently cited and profoundly felt constraint was economic vulnerability. The significance of addressing these multifaceted barriers in population policies is emphasized by the study. In order to be effective and socially responsive, these policies must be concerned with the cultural and affective aspects of reproductive decision-making, in addition to economic reforms.
Women's Studies
Fateme Allahyari; Rasool Norouzi Seyyed Hossini; Mohammad Ehsani; Ghodratollah Bagheri Ragheb
Abstract
Empowering women as a central pillar of sustainable development requires standardized tools to measure its multifaceted dimensions. The objective of this article was to develop a questionnaire that is both valid and dependable in assessing the empowerment of Iranian women. A questionnaire consisting ...
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Empowering women as a central pillar of sustainable development requires standardized tools to measure its multifaceted dimensions. The objective of this article was to develop a questionnaire that is both valid and dependable in assessing the empowerment of Iranian women. A questionnaire consisting of 37 items in seven domains (psychological, decisional, social, gender, economic, health and welfare, and civic empowerment) was designed. Subsequently, the construct validity of the questionnaire was examined using exploratory factor analysis. The instrument's logical structure was demonstrated by the results, which confirmed seven subscales that accounted for 59% of the variance in the data. Finally, the questionnaire’s reliability was verified by calculating a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.83 for the entire scale, which suggests that the internal consistency is satisfactory. The validity of the results was enhanced by the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and the utilization of a large sample. This comprehensive questionnaire is capable of measuring the intricate dimensions of women's empowerment in the socio-cultural context of Iran, and by identifying structural challenges, such as socio-cultural barriers, discriminatory laws, and the absence of multi-dimensional, context-specific tools, it identifies the strengths and weaknesses of programs. In contrast, existing tools fail to consider psycho-social dimensions and are not tailored to the context of Persian-speaking societies. The results indicate that this instrument is not only suitable for evaluating the current situation, but it also addresses the gap in previous tools. By identifying the underlying obstacles, it provides the requisite data to revise policies, design multi-dimensional interventions, and monitor progress toward sustainable development goals.
Sociology
Mohammad Abbaszadeh; Bahman Ranjegar Ghalehkandi; Sahel Gasami
Abstract
Body image refers to an individual’s perceptions, feelings, and evaluations of their physical appearance. With the pervasive influence of the media in the modern, globalized world, body image has emerged as a critical issue. This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of unmarried women ...
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Body image refers to an individual’s perceptions, feelings, and evaluations of their physical appearance. With the pervasive influence of the media in the modern, globalized world, body image has emerged as a critical issue. This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of unmarried women in Tabriz, aged 18 to 35, regarding their body image. Twenty participants were chosen for semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling in accordance with demographic criteria. The results indicate that solitary young women are confronted with a conflict between self-acceptance and societal expectations. Media frequently depicts idealized and exaggerated body standards, which exacerbates social comparisons that contribute to body dissatisfaction and diminished self-confidence. Although some participants challenge these norms by emphasizing health and redefining personal values, a significant number of them experience social rejection, which can result in feelings of isolation or a desire to modify their physical appearance. These findings underscore the substantial impact of sociocultural factors on body image and identity formation. The research demonstrates that single women’s attitudes toward their bodies are influenced by a multifaceted interplay of personal, social, and cultural factors. Thus, body image is not solely a psychological experience that is unique to an individual, but a dynamic construct that is rooted in broader social and cultural contexts. This research underscores the significance of comprehending body image within these interconnected frameworks in order to confront the obstacles that young women encounter today.
Entrepreneurship
Nazanin Behzadi; Jahangir Yadollahi Farsi; Abolghasem Arabiun
Abstract
Despite its substantial contribution to the advancement of economic and social objectives, women’s entrepreneurship in developing societies encounters a multitude of obstacles and obstacles. The objective of the current investigation was to develop a conceptual framework that would elucidate the ...
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Despite its substantial contribution to the advancement of economic and social objectives, women’s entrepreneurship in developing societies encounters a multitude of obstacles and obstacles. The objective of the current investigation was to develop a conceptual framework that would elucidate the elements of personal fulfillment and entrepreneurial success among female entrepreneurs in Iran. This research is applied-developmental in nature and uses a qualitative method based on narrative inquiry. The study population consisted of eight Iranian women entrepreneurs who were selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data that was collected through semi-structured interviews. The study's results establish a framework for the personal fulfillment and entrepreneurial success of women entrepreneurs. This framework is comprised of three primary dimensions: (1) entrepreneurial success and personal fulfillment, which encompasses individual skills (cognitive, communicative, personal, and managerial), business success (innovation and management), and personal growth; (2) factors that influence success, including the business environment (such as access to resources, entrepreneurial culture, and institutional support) and personal factors (such as risk-taking, passion, and a strong team); and (3) outcomes of success at three levels: individual (such as increased self-confidence and an enhanced quality of life), business (such as growth and development), and society (such as job creation and economic development). Furthermore, intervening conditions, including technological advancements, crises, and socio-cultural influences, were identified. The proposed framework can serve as a practical model for policymakers, support institutions, and women entrepreneurs in planning, skill development, and creation of supportive environments. This study underscores the significance of multidimensional factors in personal fulfillment and entrepreneurial success, and it establishes a foundation for future research.
