دانشگاه اصفهان پژوهش های راهبردی مسائل اجتماعی 3041-8623 15 1 2026 03 21 Adolescents’ Strategy for Sexual Health: A Qualitative Study in Mashhad راهبرد نوجوانان در عرصه سلامت جنسی: مطالعه‌ای کیفی در شهر مشهد 1 30 29848 10.22108/srspi.2025.146063.2136 FA حسین عباس نژاد دانشجوی دکتری جامعه‎شناسی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران مهناز فرهمند دانشیار، گروه جامعه‎شناسی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران احمد کلاته ساداتی دانشیار، گروه جامعه‎شناسی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران مسعود حاجی زاده میمندی دانشیار، گروه جامعه‌شناسی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران Journal Article 2025 07 27 Introduction Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of public health and social development, playing a crucial role in shaping individual identity, enhancing social capital, and contributing to sustainable development (World Health Organization, 2015). Despite its significance, evidence suggests that adolescent sexual health is often neglected in many developing countries, including Iran, where structured education and institutional support are limited (Fatemi et al., 2023, p. 1352). Studies indicate that adolescents frequently rely on informal and sometimes unreliable sources for sexual health information due to the lack of comprehensive, formal sexual health education (Javadnoori et al., 2012, p. 539). Globally, adolescent sexual health faces significant challenges. A recent WHO report highlights a concerning decline in condom use among adolescents in Europe, Asia, and Canada: from 70% to 61% among boys and from 63% to 57% among girls, with approximately 30% reporting no protection during their last sexual encounter (World Health Organization, 2024). In Iran, research has shown high levels of risky sexual behaviors among adolescents coupled with insufficient awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and sexual health practices (Mohammadi et al., 2006, p. 35). These gaps expose adolescents to a range of risks, including STDs, unintended pregnancies, risky sexual behaviors, anxiety, and social harm. Prior studies emphasize the critical importance of comprehensive education, family involvement, school-based support, and religious beliefs in promoting sexual health and preventing harm (Nassimi et al., 2018, p. 16; Fatemi et al., 2023, p. 1356). While there has been an increase in sexual health research in Iran, most studies have been quantitative and focused on biomedical aspects, leaving gendered dimensions and adolescents' strategies for navigating sexual realities underexplored (Jazini et al., 2024, p. 2; Razaghi & Barjalali, 2013, p. 71). This study aimed to fill this gap by adopting a sociological and qualitative approach to understand how adolescents in Mashhad—a culturally and religiously diverse metropolis—perceived and experienced sexual health, as well as the strategies they employed to maintain and improve their sexual well-being amidst structural and cultural challenges. Materials & Methods This qualitative study was conducted within an interpretivist paradigm and employed an inductive approach to explore adolescents’ lived experiences. Thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006) served as the methodological framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, representing diverse socio-economic, educational, familial, and ethnic backgrounds in Mashhad during 2024. Purposive sampling was employed to ensure a broad range of perspectives and interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded with participant consent and transcribed verbatim. Coding was conducted using MAXQDA software with data analyzed at 3 levels: basic themes, organizing themes, and global themes (Attride-Stirling, 2001). To enhance the credibility of the findings, trustworthiness criteria—such as credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability—were applied (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). Member checking, triangulation, and peer debriefing were also utilized to validate the results. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were rigorously upheld throughout the study. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings indicated that adolescents conceptualized sexual health through two interrelated layers. The first layer, the sexual layer, focused on individual physical and psychological well-being, encompassing aspects, such as sexual protection, psychosexual health, emotional-sexual interactions, biopsychological integration, and sexual fulfillment. The second layer, the gender layer, centered on normativity, reflecting prevailing social and cultural norms, religious values, and gendered expectations. Adolescents employed various strategies to navigate challenges within both layers. In the sexual layer, strategies included sexual self-regulation, supportive well-being activities, sexual cognition, and agency driven by personal needs. In the gender layer, approaches involved purposeful social connections, religiously informed sexual practices, and gender-based regulation. These results highlighted the complex interplay between individual agency and structural influences, such as family dynamics, peer relationships, media representations, and religious norms. Adolescents actively participated in interpreting and redefining their sexual health within their sociocultural context rather than merely being passive recipients of information. The study underscored the need for context-sensitive, comprehensive sexual health interventions. Such approaches should prioritize culturally appropriate education, engage families and schools, and strengthen institutional support. Policy frameworks must address both sexual and gender dimensions to empower adolescents and enhance their resilience in navigating their sexual health. سلامت جنسی، مفهومی چندبُعدی و پویا است که در بستر فرهنگی و اجتماعی نوجوانان ایرانی، معنا و تجربه خاصی می‌یابد. هدف پژوهش حاضر علاوه‌بر درک نوجوانان از سلامت جنسی، شناسایی تجربۀ زیسته و راهبردهای نوجوانان برای تقویت سلامت جنسی در مواجهه با چالش‌های ساختاری و فرهنگی است. این مطالعه با رویکرد کیفی و روش تحلیل مضمون، بر پایۀ مصاحبه‌های نیمه‌ساختاریافته با ۳۰ نوجوان ۱۵ تا ۱۹ساله از طبقات مختلف اجتماعی شهر مشهد و با روش نمونه‌گیری هدفمند انجام شد. یافته‌ها نشان داد که سلامت جنسی از دیدگاه نوجوانان در دو لایه تحلیل می‌شود: در لایۀ جنسی، سلامت جنسی تلفیقی از حفاظت جنسی، کامیابی روانی–جنسی، تعاملات عاطفی–جنسی، یکپارچگی زیستی–روانی و تحقق‌مندی جنسی است و در لایۀ جنسیتی، سلامت جنسی در قالب هنجارمندی بازنمایی می‌شود. راهبردهای نوجوانان در مواجهه با چالش‌های سلامت جنسی نیز در دو سطح شناسایی شد: در لایۀ جنسی، سلامت جنسی در قالب مضامینی همچون مهارگری جنسی، بهزیستی حمایتی، ادراک جنسی و کنشگری نیازمحور معنا یافته است و در لایۀ جنسیتی، سلامت جنسی از خلال پیوندهای هدفمند، زیست ‌دینی و مهارگری جنسیتی تبیین می‌شود. براساس نتایج، تقویت آموزش بومی، حمایت ساختاری و ارتقای سواد جنسی متناسب با زمینۀ فرهنگی از الزامات ارتقای سلامت جنسی نوجوانان است. پیشنهاد می‌شود سیاست‌گذاران و برنامه‌ریزان، آموزش سلامت جنسی را با رویکردی جامع، تدریجی و حساس به زمینه‌های فرهنگی و دینی در برنامه‌های رسمی و غیررسمی نوجوانان لحاظ کنند.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29848_0ab68f1b4ef0014459b574c5d6b459e3.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان پژوهش های راهبردی مسائل اجتماعی 3041-8623 15 1 2026 03 21 Sociological Analysis of the Problem of Social Laziness among Young People (Case Study: Sanandaj City) تحلیل جامعه‌شناختی مسئلۀ تنبلی اجتماعی جوانان (مورد مطالعه: شهر سنندج) 31 58 29775 10.22108/srspi.2025.144674.2096 FA قربان قیسوندی کارشناسی ارشد پژوهش علوم‌اجتماعی، دانشکده علوم‌انسانی، واحد سنندج، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، سنندج، ایران جمال ادهمی استادیار، گروه علوم‌اجتماعی، دانشکده علوم‌انسانی، واحد سنندج، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، سنندج، ایران Journal Article 2025 03 17 Introduction In contemporary society, advancement and progress of communities increasingly depend on the collective effort and shared sense of responsibility among all members. A significant barrier to development is social laziness defined as a lack of motivation to engage in tasks despite having the capacity to do so (Balmores-Paulino, 2019). This phenomenon encourages passive behavior and procrastination in fulfilling essential duties (Quadri, 2022; Myers, 2009, 2015). as cited in Firouzjaeian (2019), Latane and colleagues (1979) contrasted social laziness with social diligence, highlighting its varying prevalence across cultures. Social laziness can manifest at both individual and societal levels: at the individual level, it involves a preference for immediate gratification over long-term benefits, while at the societal level, it results from the aggregation of individual laziness or dysfunctions within social institutions (Javadi-Yeganeh et al., 2009). This includes avoidance, procrastination, and shirking responsibilities in daily life (Spada et al., 2006; Javadi-Yeganeh & Fouladian, 2012). In Iranian society, social laziness is a pressing social issue associated with consumerism, routine lifestyles, and diminished dynamism in industry, commerce, and science (Javadi-Yeganeh, 2010). Historical travelogues and contemporary research have documented instances of social laziness in Iran (Javadi-Yeganeh & Fouladian, 2012). Additional studies indicate that the average level of laziness in Iran surpasses that of many other nations (Javadi-Yeganeh et al., 2009). In the city of Sanandaj, manifestations of social laziness include time wastage, reduced productive work hours, decreased physical activity, academic procrastination, reliance on social media, and social apathy (Danaeefard et al., 2016; National Statistics Center, 2020; Mousavi, 2018). Local investigations reveal heightened behaviors of indifference and avoidance among youth and university students (Ahmadi et al., 2013; Adhami, 2017; Hosseini et al., 2018). Despite the availability of educational and cultural resources, some young people in Sanandaj exhibit laziness driven by comfort-seeking tendencies, financial dependence on family, and pessimism regarding their future (Azkia & Pakseresht, 1998). The present study aimed to empirically examine the factors influencing social laziness among the youth in Sanandaj City. Materials & Methods This study employed a survey design, utilizing a structured questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The target population consisted of youths aged 15 to 29 years residing in Sanandaj City during the period of 2018-2019, totaling 211,053 individuals. The sample size was calculated to be 383 using Cochran’s formula, which was then increased to 400 to account for potential attrition and enhance precision. A multistage cluster sampling approach was implemented. Initially, 3 clusters representing the upper, central, and lower regions of Sanandaj were selected. Subsequently, residential blocks were randomly chosen within each cluster. The questionnaire assessed various variables, including social loafing, social alienation, fatalism, social commitment, social satisfaction, and conspicuous consumption. The measurement instruments were adapted from previously validated studies. Content validity was established through consultations with expert faculty members and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, which ranged from 0.65 to 0.81, indicating acceptable internal consistency of the measurement tools. Discussion of Results & Conclusion This study explored the factors and contexts contributing to social laziness among youth in Sanandaj City. Social laziness encompasses both individual and social dimensions: at the individual level, it reflects a preference for immediate gratification and reluctance to change behavior; at the social level, it emerges when a significant portion of society avoids work and seeks quick, easy outcomes. The findings indicated that the level of social laziness among participants was below the national average, with most youths denying any inclination toward laziness. Additionally, fatalism and social alienation scored below average, while conspicuous consumption, social commitment, and social satisfaction were rated above average. A significant positive correlation was found between beliefs in fatalism and social laziness, suggesting that such beliefs may undermine personal responsibility and foster passivity, thereby hindering active social engagement. Similarly, increased social alienation—characterized by feelings of powerlessness, isolation, and meaninglessness—was directly associated with higher levels of social laziness. Moreover, conspicuous consumption and a tendency towards materialistic display contributed to social laziness as individuals focused their behavior on immediate pleasures and luxury rather than productive work. The observed shifts in attitudes and behaviors among youth had implications for social stagnation, reduced productivity, and related societal challenges. Therefore, development of meaningful employment opportunities and promotion of active youth participation in social affairs are essential for fostering sustainable development and enhancing societal well-being. هدف مطالعۀ حاضر بررسی میزان تنبلی اجتماعی در بین جوانان شهر سنندج و عوامل اجتماعی مؤثر بر آن است. تنبلی اجتماعی به معنای طفره‌روی، تن‌پروری، کاهلی، اهمال و سستی تعریف می‌شود. همچنین نوعی ویژگی رفتاری و نگرشی در افراد است که موجب می‌شود افراد باوجود داشتن توانایی و امکان فعالیت، تمایلی به فعالیت نداشته باشند و معمولاً کارهای مهم و فوری را به نفع کارهای ساده‌تر، لذت‌بخش‌تر و کم‌اهمیت‌تر به تعویق بیندازند. در پژوهش حاضر با استنباط از نظریه‌های بیگانگی اجتماعی، رضایت اجتماعی، تقدیرگرایی، تعهد اجتماعی و نظریۀ مصرف متظاهرانه چارچوب نظری تدوین و از آن فرضیه‌های پژوهش استخراج شد و با روش اسنادی-کتابخانه‌ای و پیمایشی و با استفاده از پرسشنامۀ محقق‌ساخته اطلاعات لازم جمع آوری ‌شد. جامعۀ آماری شامل جوانان شهر سنندج است که از بین آنها با استفاده از فرمول کوکران نمونه‌ای با حجم 383 نفر به روش نمونه‌گیری خوشه‌ای چندمرحله‌ای انتخاب ‌شد. نتایج آزمون همبستگی پیرسون نشان داد که بین متغیرهای بیگانگی اجتماعی، تقدیرگرایی، گرایش به مصرف نمایشی (متظاهرانه) و میزان تنبلی اجتماعی جوانان شهر سنندج همبستگی مستقیم و معناداری وجود دارد. همچنین نتایج حاصل از تحلیل رگرسیونی چندمتغیرۀ توأم نشان می‌دهد که از میان متغیرهای مذکور، به ترتیب بیگانگی اجتماعی، مصرف متظاهرانه و تقدیرگرایی بیشترین تأثیر را بر تنبلی اجتماعی جوانان می‌گذارند و به میزان 28درصد از کل واریانس متغیر وابسته را تبیین ‌می‌کنند.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29775_5aeb74cbab392b1086006435a6dc042f.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان پژوهش های راهبردی مسائل اجتماعی 3041-8623 15 1 2026 03 21 Fortune-Telling as a Cultural Mechanism: Thematic Analysis of Fortunes Based on the Interactions between Fortune-Teller and Clients فال‎‌گیری به‌مثابۀ مکانیزم فرهنگی: تحلیل مضامین فال‎‌گفته‎‌ها در تعاملات فال‌گیر و مشتریان 59 80 29895 10.22108/srspi.2025.145913.2135 FA حامد بخشی دانشیار گروه جامعه‌شناسی گردشگری، پژوهشکده گردشگری، جهاد دانشگاهی، مشهد، ایران وجیهه جلائیان بخشنده استادیار گروه جامعه‏‌شناسی و ارتباطات، دانشکده علوم ‏انسانی و اجتماعی، دانشگاه گلستان، گرگان، ایران Journal Article 2025 07 13 Introduction Despite the prevalence of rationality and scientific advancements in modern societies, belief in supernatural practices, such as fortune-telling and divination, remains widespread. Rather than being dismissed as mere superstition, these practices have adapted to contemporary contexts through online platforms, mobile applications, Instagram pages, and Telegram channels. From a sociological standpoint, fortune-telling is not simply an irrational remnant of pre-modernity; it serves as a cultural mechanism that reflects existential concerns, collective anxieties, and coping strategies for navigating uncertainty in everyday life. By analyzing the content of fortune-telling narratives, researchers can uncover how individuals make sense of their lives and manage the unpredictability of social and personal realities. This study investigated this phenomenon in Iran, where fortune-telling holds a prominent place in popular culture. Although previous research has often categorized fortune-telling as superstition or pseudo-science, this study approached it as a discursive and cultural practice embedded within social relations. It aimed to analyze the thematic structure of fortune-telling discourses, particularly focusing on the interactions between a female fortune-teller in the city of Neyshabur and her diverse clientele. By exploring the narrative strategies employed, the study sought to illuminate how fortune-telling addressed psychological, social, and cultural needs, especially in contexts marked by uncertainty and existential anxiety. Materials & Methods This study adopted a qualitative approach and utilized thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). Data were collected from sessions conducted by a well-known female fortune-teller in Neyshabur, with clients accessed through a local intermediary. A maximum variation sampling strategy was employed to capture a diverse range of participants in terms of gender, age, marital status, education, and occupation. The final sample comprised 10 clients (7 women and 3 men), resulting in 1,547 textual units for analysis. Data collection involved audio recordings of the fortune-telling sessions, which were subsequently transcribed verbatim. Ethical considerations were rigorously observed: pseudonyms were assigned, confidentiality was ensured, and informed consent was obtained from both the fortune-teller and the clients. Thematic analysis was conducted in 6 stages: (1) familiarization with the data through repeated readings of the transcripts; (2) generating initial codes for meaningful textual units; (3) identifying patterns and preliminary categories; (4) reviewing and refining themes; (5) defining and naming themes; and (6) producing a final analytic report. To enhance reliability, two researchers independently coded the transcripts with any disagreements resolved through discussion and consensus. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The thematic analysis revealed 4 overarching categories that structured the fortune-teller's discourse: identification of problems, prediction of future events, prescription of remedies, and final outcomes. Identification of Problems: The fortune-teller typically began by diagnosing clients' issues using abstract, culturally resonant terms, such as "heaviness", "blockages", or "the evil eye". These diagnoses emphasized intangible threats, external dangers, and states of confusion, reinforcing the clients' reliance on the fortune-teller's interpretive authority. Prediction of Future Events: Predictions were centered around recurring social themes, including marriage and family formation, fertility and childbirth, work and employment, education, wealth accumulation, and legal matters. These areas corresponded to culturally significant concerns in Iranian society, reflecting both personal aspirations and structural insecurities. Predictions were generally framed optimistically, providing reassurance that difficulties would eventually resolve. Prescription of Remedies: After identifying problems and making predictions, the fortune-teller prescribed remedies that combined religious rituals (e.g., charity, vows, reciting specific prayers), encouragement to exercise patience, and caution against untrustworthy outsiders. These prescriptions served as both coping strategies and symbolic actions, enabling clients to reclaim a sense of agency. Final Outcomes: The sessions typically concluded with promises of positive outcomes, reaffirming hope and alleviating clients' anxiety. This projection of a favorable result served as a mechanism for psychological relief, strengthening the bond between the fortune-teller and her clients. From a sociological perspective, the findings indicated that fortune-telling in contemporary Iran acted as a cultural technology for managing uncertainty, alleviating existential anxiety, and providing meaning during times of distress. Rather than being mere entertainment or deception, fortune-telling created a discursive space where individuals could navigate social pressures, particularly those related to marriage, fertility, employment, and economic insecurity. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the fortune-teller personalized her discourse by tailoring messages to the clients' demographic and social characteristics. This personalization often achieved through subtle psychological techniques, such as "cold reading", enhanced her credibility and fostered lasting client relationships. The interplay between traditional religious idioms and modern existential anxieties underscored the hybrid cultural nature of fortune-telling in Iranian society. This study contributed to the growing body of literature that viewed supernatural practices not as remnants of irrationality, but as adaptive responses to the uncertainties of modernity. It resonated with Giddens' theories on the resurgence of fate and destiny in late modernity, Adorno's critique of astrology as a cultural industry, and Inglehart and Welzel's thesis on the rise of post-material values. By situating fortune-telling within broader sociocultural and economic contexts, this research illustrated how these practices functioned as cultural mechanisms for coping, meaning-making, and identity construction. In conclusion, fortune-telling in contemporary Iran exemplified the persistence of supernatural practices in modern societies. It provided symbolic reassurance, social commentary, and existential orientation for individuals navigating complex realities. As such, it represented a significant area of inquiry for sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies, highlighting the intersections of tradition, modernity, and everyday life. باوجود پیشرفت‌های علمی و گسترش عقلانیت در دوران مدرن، باور به امور فراطبیعی مانند فال‌گیری و پیش‌گویی آینده همچنان رواج دارد و در قالب‌های نوینی چون فال آنلاین، اپلیکیشن‌های فال‌گیری، صفحات اینستاگرامی و کانال‌های تلگرامی گسترش یافته است. از منظر جامعه‌شناختی، مطالعۀ این باورها ازآن‌رو اهمیت دارد که شالوده‌های هستی‌شناختی یک جامعه یا گروه را آشکار می‌کند و تحلیل محتوای آن‌ها می‌تواند دریچه‌ای به سوی درک نیازهای وجودی انسان معاصر باشد. این پژوهش با هدف واکاوی مضامین فال‌گفته‌ها، ویژگی‌های روایت فال‌گیر از زندگی و آیندۀ مراجعان، انطباق این روایت‌ها با نیازها و انتظارات مراجعان، و نحوۀ بازنمایی آن‌ها را بررسی کرده است. این پژوهش با رویکرد کیفی و روش تحلیل مضمون، گفته‌های یک فال‌گوی زن در شهر نیشابور را در مواجهه با 10 مشتری (7 زن و 3 مرد) با استفاده از نمونه‌گیری حداکثر تنوع تحلیل کرده است. داده‌ها ازطریق ضبط و پیاده‌سازی جلسات فال‌گیری جمع‌آوری و با روش تحلیل مضمونی براون و کلارک (2006) بررسی شدند. یافته‌ها در قالب چهار مضمون اصلی بازنمایی شده است: شناسایی مشکلات (با زیرمضمون‌های تهدیدات ناملموس، بلاتکلیفی و آشفتگی، تهدیدات بیرونی، و رویدادهای ناخوشایند)، پیش‌گویی (با زیرمضمون‌های ازدواج و تشکیل خانواده، فرزندآوری، کار و شغل، تحصیل، ثروت و مسائل قانونی)، تجویز راهکار (با زیرمضمون‌های انجام مناسک دینی، صبر و سپردن به زمان، و اجتناب از تهدیدات بیرونی) و فرجام (با زیرمضمون نتیجۀ مثبت). این مضامین نشان‌دهندۀ نقش فال‌گیری به‌عنوان مکانیزمی فرهنگی برای پاسخ به نیازهای روانی-اجتماعی و مدیریت بلاتکلیفی در زندگی مراجعان است.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29895_fa97d03002b7db3d809b148596e519c9.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان پژوهش های راهبردی مسائل اجتماعی 3041-8623 15 1 2026 03 21 Young Women’s Leisure Practices in Yazd: Negotiating Gendered Constraints and Urban Limitations الگوهای فراغتی دختران جوان در یزد: چانه‌زنی میان عادت‌واره‌های شخصی و محدودیت‌های شهری 81 106 29981 10.22108/srspi.2025.146586.2153 FA هما یوسفی دانش‌آموخته کارشناسی ارشد مردم‌شناسی، دانشکدۀ علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران ملیحه علی مندگاری دانشیار، گروه مردم‌شناسی، دانشکدۀ علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران فریبا صدیقی استادیار، گروه مردم‌شناسی، دانشکدۀ علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران Journal Article 2025 09 07 Introduction In contemporary society, leisure is increasingly acknowledged as a fundamental right essential for mental rejuvenation, creativity, and individual growth. However, access to leisure is significantly influenced by social structures, gender norms, and economic disparities, which affect both the quantity and quality of leisure experiences (Heydary & Mansoori, 2022; Aydın & Özel, 2023; Mirmohammadtabar et al., 2015; Codina & Pastana, 2019). Research indicates that limitations on leisure opportunities, particularly for young women, can hinder personal development, diminish social participation, and elevate stress and life dissatisfaction. Structural and cultural barriers—including traditional gender roles and inadequate recreational infrastructure—further restrict significant engagement in leisure activities. This study employed a qualitative ethnographic approach to explore how social and cultural factors shaped the leisure experiences and patterns of young women in Yazd. It highlighted the intersections of leisure with time, space, and gender, and examined their implications for personal development and social participation. Materials & Methods This qualitative study utilized an ethnographic approach to investigate leisure patterns among young women in Yazd. Data were collected through non-participant observations and semi-structured interviews with 14 participants aged 19 to 29 years. Fieldwork was conducted over 3 months in 3 primary locations: Yazd University, historical district of the city, and the Persian Gulf Shopping Center. The interviews focused on how leisure time was spent, the influence of family and friends on leisure preferences, individual choices, and existing constraints. Participants were purposefully selected by using snowball sampling until data saturation was reached. The data were transcribed and thematically analyzed using an inductive approach facilitated by MAXQDA software. To ensure credibility, the study employed researcher reflexivity, peer debriefing, member checking, and thorough documentation. Ethical considerations were prioritized throughout the study and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings were analyzed at 2 levels. The first level highlighted the contexts that shaped the leisure experiences of young Yazdi women, emphasizing 2 key factors: personal habitus and urban fatigue. Personal habitus rooted in cultural and familial structures directed women toward low-risk, familiar, and socially acceptable leisure activities. In contrast, urban fatigue stemming from physical, recreational, and socio-cultural constraints limited equitable access to public spaces and reinforced feelings of exclusion. Together, these factors illustrated how leisure was both shaped by social norms and constrained by the urban environment. The second level focused on leisure patterns, which manifested in 2 primary domains: out-of-home leisure (divided into time spent alone and time spent with others) and home-based leisure (centered on personal and family-oriented activities). These patterns revealed that leisure for young Yazdi women was not merely recreational, but a negotiated practice influenced by gender, culture, and spatial considerations. Home-based leisure emphasized emotional bonding, self-reflection, and skill development as adaptive strategies in response to social restrictions. Meanwhile, out-of-home leisure reflected selective participation in safe and semi-public spaces, such as cafés, educational centers, and family gatherings. These practices indicated that leisure functioned as both a site of constraint and empowerment, enabling women to cultivate social and cultural capital, maintain emotional well-being, and assert agency within limiting structural conditions. Ultimately, these findings underscored that leisure practices among Yazdi women reflected a dynamic interplay between conformity and agency, demonstrating how young women actively navigated and reinterpreted the boundaries imposed by their social and urban environments. این پژوهش با رویکرد کیفی و روش مردم‌نگاری به واکاوی شیوه‌های گذران اوقات فراغت دختران جوان در شهر یزد پرداخته است. داده‌ها ازطریق مشاهدۀ غیرمشارکتی و ۱۴ مصاحبۀ نیمه‌ساخت‌یافته با دختران ۱۹ تا ۲۹ساله گردآوری و با روش تحلیل مضمون تحلیل شد. نتایج نشان داد که فراغت دختران یزدی تحت تأثیر دو عامل کلیدی «عادت‌واره‌های شخصی» و «دلزدگی شهری» شکل می‌گیرد؛ عادت‌واره‌های شخصی برگرفته از بافت فرهنگی و خانوادگی، آنان را به فعالیت‌های کم‌ریسک و محیط‌های امن سوق می‌دهد؛ درحالی‌که دلزدگی شهری ناشی از محدودیت‌های کالبدی، تفریحی و اجتماعی، امکان بهره‌مندی برابر از فضاهای عمومی را کاهش می‌دهد. براساس یافته‌ها، الگوهای فراغتی دختران در دو دستۀ اصلی «فراغت بیرون منزل» (زمان برای خود و زمان با دیگران) و «فراغت درون منزل» (زمان فردی و خانوادگی) بازنمایی می‌شود. یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد که فراغت دختران یزدی نه صرفاً عرصه‌ای برای سرگرمی، میدانی برای تعامل با ساختارهای اجتماعی، محدودیت‌های جنسیتی و چانه‌زنی فرهنگی است و نتایج آن پیامدهایی ارزشمند برای سیاست‌گذاری شهری و فرهنگی دارد. توسعۀ زیرساخت‌های شهری، افزایش امنیت و روشنایی فضاهای عمومی، توانمندسازی مهارتی و اقتصادی، ایجاد فضاهای سوم برای تعامل اجتماعی و توجه به فراغت دیجیتال و رسانه‌ای، ازجمله راهبردهای سیاستی مؤثر برای ارتقای کیفیت زندگی دختران جوان یزدی است. از منظر پژوهشی، مطالعات تطبیقی میان‌شهری، پژوهش‌های طولی و تحلیل متغیرهای متقاطع همچون طبقۀ اجتماعی، قومیت و مذهب می‌تواند تصویر جامع‌تری از تنوع تجربه‌های فراغتی ارائه دهد.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29981_31971f6d238235880796d2904a7b4df0.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان پژوهش های راهبردی مسائل اجتماعی 3041-8623 15 1 2026 03 21 Hidden Gender Inequalities in Women's Career Advancement: A Case Study of Female Staff in the Administrative Structure of Payam-e Noor University, Isfahan Center نابرابری‌های جنسیتی پنهان در ارتقای شغلی زنان: مطالعۀ موردی کارکنان زن در ساختار اداری دانشگاه پیام نور مرکز اصفهان 107 130 29997 10.22108/srspi.2025.146567.2152 FA حسن رضا یوسفوند استادیار، گروه جامعه‌شناسی، دانشکدۀ حقوق و علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه پیام‌نور، تهران، ایران عظیمه السادات. عبدالهی استادیار، گروه جامعه‌شناسی، دانشکده حقوق و علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه پیام‌نور تهران، ایران Journal Article 2025 09 05 Introduction Gender inequalities in career advancement continue to pose a significant challenge in modern organizations, particularly within academic settings where merit and expertise are expected to drive progress. Despite notable increases in higher education enrollment—where women represent over half of university students in Iran—their representation in managerial and leadership roles remains disproportionately low. This disparity is especially evident in the administrative structures of universities, where women, despite holding advanced degrees, extensive experience, and proven competencies, are frequently relegated to supportive or executive roles while their male counterparts ascend more rapidly to decision-making positions. These patterns are not mere statistical anomalies; they reflect deeply entrenched structural, cultural, and organizational barriers that operate subtly, often invisibly, to perpetuate inequality. In the Iranian academic context, patriarchal social structures, gender stereotypes, and rigid organizational norms intersect to constrain women’s professional trajectories. Concepts like the "glass ceiling"—invisible barriers that impede ascent to top positions—and the "professional labyrinth"—a complex web of interconnected obstacles—provide valuable theoretical frameworks for understanding these dynamics. Additional factors contributing to this issue include informal power networks, double standards in performance evaluation, and the dual burden of work-family responsibilities, all exacerbated by organizational inflexibility and negative perceptions of motherhood. These elements not only hinder promotion, but also undermine women’s motivation, self-efficacy, and long-term career aspirations. Payam-e Noor University (PNU), Isfahan Center, serves as a representative case study. As a large distance education institution with hundreds of administrative staff, it reflects broader challenges within Iranian higher education. Field observations indicate that women are largely concentrated in lower-tier roles (e.g., student affairs, educational support), while men predominantly occupy positions, such as departmental heads and vice presidents. This disparity appears to be systemic rather than coincidental, while being rooted in hidden appointment criteria, gendered task allocation, and cultural norms that undervalue women’s contributions. This qualitative study addressed a critical research gap: while prior quantitative studies have documented gender disparities, few have thoroughly explored the lived experiences of female administrative staff in Iranian universities through thematic analysis. The central research question was: What structural, cultural, and organizational factors impede women’s promotion to managerial roles at PNU, Isfahan Center, and how can cultural and organizational reforms mitigate these barriers? By amplifying women’s voices, this study aimed to transform abstract notions of inequality into actionable insights, contributing to both theoretical enrichment and practical policy reform for gender equity within academic institutions. Materials & Methods This research employed a qualitative design utilizing thematic analysis to explore hidden gender inequalities in women’s career advancement. Following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, thematic analysis was chosen for its flexibility in identifying patterns within rich, experiential data without imposing preconceived categories. This approach aligns with the exploratory aim of uncovering subtle, systemic barriers in a specific organizational context. The study focused on all female administrative employees at Payam-e Noor University, Isfahan Center. Purposive sampling supplemented by snowball techniques ensured diversity in terms of age, education, work experience, marital status, and job role. Inclusion criteria required participants to have a minimum of 5 years’ tenure to capture longitudinal perspectives on promotion barriers. Theoretical saturation was reached after 13 interviews, at which point new data ceased to generate novel themes and the existing categories were fully developed. Participant demographics are summarized in Table 1. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted in private university settings, lasting between 45 and 90 minutes each. The interview guide included open-ended questions addressing experiences of gender inequality, promotion obstacles, performance evaluation, work-family conflict, and coping strategies. Informed consent was obtained and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s 6-phase process: (1) data familiarization through repeated reading; (2) initial coding; (3) theme searching; (4) theme review; (5) theme definition and naming; and (6) report production. This process resulted in the emergence of 5 main themes and 15 sub-themes (see Table 2). Trustworthiness was ensured through prolonged engagement with the data (over 2 months), member checking (6 participants reviewed theme summaries), negative case analysis (e.g., examining individual experiences), and peer debriefing (with a 95% coding agreement between 2 researchers). Ethical principles followed included informed consent, confidentiality (with pseudonyms used), anonymity, non-impact on employment, and the right to withdraw from the study. Discussion of Results & Conclusion Thematic analysis revealed 5 interconnected themes that illustrated how gender inequality was perpetuated within the administrative structure of PNU of Isfahan. Glass Ceiling in Promotion: Participants described invisible barriers that manifested through hidden appointment criteria (e.g., unspoken expectations for after-hour availability that favored men), differential valuation of skills (where identical qualifications were labeled as “strategic” for men and “routine” for women), and restricted access to informal power networks (male-dominated social gatherings where decisions were often pre-made). These findings align with Morrison’s (1992) concept of the glass ceiling and the institutional discrimination identified by Stamarski and Son Hing (2015), reinforcing Hofstede’s (2001) notion of high power distance in Iranian organizations. Gender Stereotypes in Task Allocation: Women were often relegated to caregiving and support roles (e.g., minute-taking, hospitality), excluded from high-stake projects (which were deemed too stressful), and held to different expectations (expected to be nurturing yet professional). This dynamic reflects Koenig et al.’s (2011) role congruity theory, which posits that leadership is perceived as a masculine trait, echoing findings by Abedini et al. (2021). Subtle Devaluation of Achievements: Women’s successes were often attributed to external factors (such as luck or connections), while men’s successes were linked to internal factors (like competence). Ideas presented by women were frequently overlooked until endorsed by male colleagues and double standards demanded perfection from women. These mechanisms perpetuated inequality through biased evaluation processes as noted by Stamarski and Son Hing (2015). Dual Work-Family Burden: Organizational inflexibility (e.g., rigid hours), lack of support (such as childcare and telework options), and negative judgments about motherhood (“prioritizing family”) intensified role conflict. This aligns with Eagly and Carli’s (2007) labyrinth metaphor and the findings of Panahi et al. (2023). Erosion of Motivation and Self-Efficacy: The cumulative effect of these barriers led to internalized feelings of incompetence, impostor syndrome, and diminished aspirations, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that further entrenched gender inequality. In summary, these themes collectively highlighted the systemic nature of gender inequality at PNU of Isfahan, emphasizing the urgent need for organizational reforms to address these pervasive issues. Women employed a variety of coping strategies, including passive acceptance, increased effort, female support networks, and active awareness-raising. While these strategies were adaptive, they seldom challenged systemic structures. A conceptual model (Figure 1) illustrated a reproductive cycle consisting of organizational and cultural barriers, mediating processes (such as devaluation and dual burden), psychological outcomes, coping mechanisms, and subsequent reinforcement of barriers. This model extended Western theories—such as the glass ceiling and labyrinth—into the context of Iran's high power-distance and patriarchal environment. Conclusions & Implications Gender inequality at PNU of Isfahan was systemic as driven by interrelated structural (opaque promotion processes), cultural (stereotypes), and psychological (internalization) factors. Practical recommendations for addressing these issues include: (1) establishing transparent, merit-based appointment criteria; (2) implementing flexible policies that provide childcare and remote work options; (3) mandating gender sensitivity training; (4) standardizing performance evaluations; and (5) formalizing professional networks for women. Theoretically, this study localizes global frameworks, emphasizing how internalization contributes to the dynamic reproduction of gender inequality. Future longitudinal research could investigate the impacts of these interventions. Ultimately, achieving equity requires dismantling hidden mechanisms that obstruct women's contributions in academia, allowing for a fuller realization of their potential. این پژوهش با هدف بررسی نابرابری جنسیتی در ارتقای شغلی زنان در دانشگاه پیام‌نور مرکز اصفهان انجام شد. روش پژوهش، کیفی و از نوع تحلیل مضمون است. مشارکت‌کنندگان شامل ۱۳ زن شاغل با سابقۀ حداقل ۵ سال بودند که به روش نمونه‌گیری هدفمند و گلوله‌برفی انتخاب شدند. داده‌ها ازطریق مصاحبه‌های نیمه‌ساختاریافتۀ عمیق گردآوری و با رویکرد براون و کلارک (2006) تحلیل شد. یافته‌ها پنج مضمون اصلی را شناسایی کردند: سقف شیشه‌ای ارتقاء، کلیشه‌های جنسیتی در تقسیم وظایف، بی‌ارزش‌سازی نامحسوس دستاوردها، بار مضاعف مسئولیت‌های خانوادگی_شغلی و فرسایش تدریجی انگیزه و خودباوری. سقف شیشه‌ای ازطریق معیارهای پنهان در انتصاب‌ها، ارزش‌گذاری متفاوت به مهارت‌ها و دسترسی محدود به شبکه‌های غیررسمی قدرت نمود می‌یابد. کلیشه‌های جنسیتی زنان را به نقش‌های پشتیبانی محدود کرده و از مشارکت در پروژه‌های چالش‌برانگیز محروم می‌کند. بی‌ارزش‌سازی دستاوردها ازطریق نسبت‌دادن موفقیت به عوامل بیرونی و استانداردهای دوگانه در ارزیابی عملکرد رخ می‌دهد. بار مضاعف مسئولیت‌ها به دلیل انعطاف‌ناپذیری سازمانی و قضاوت‌های منفی دربارۀ نقش مادری تشدید می‌شود. این موانع به درونی‌سازی احساس عدم‌شایستگی و کاهش آرزوهای شغلی منجر می‌شوند. زنان از استراتژی‌های مقابله‌ای مانند پذیرش منفعلانه، تلاش مضاعف، ایجاد شبکه‌های حمایتی و آگاهی‌بخشی استفاده می‌کنند. این پژوهش بر ضرورت اصلاح فرایندهای انتصاب، حمایت از توازن کار_خانواده و آموزش آگاهی جنسیتی تأکید دارد. نتایج به غنای نظری در حوزۀ نابرابری جنسیتی کمک می‌کند و راهکارهای عملی برای بهبود مشارکت زنان در سطوح مدیریتی ارائه می‌دهد.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29997_bbe098e041100c9c2db1d6562e868a9a.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان پژوهش های راهبردی مسائل اجتماعی 3041-8623 15 1 2026 03 21 Developing a Multilevel Systemic Model of Public Sector Corruption: Identifying Drivers and Inhibitors تدوین الگوی سیستمی چندسطحی فساد در بخش دولتی: شناسایی عوامل و بازدارنده‌ها 131 153 30360 10.22108/srspi.2026.147782.2191 FA علیرضا تشکریان جهرمی استادیار گروه اقتصاد و مدیریت، دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، دانشگاه بیرجند، بیرجند، ایران 0000-0002-5833-4770 Journal Article 2025 12 14 Introduction Corruption in the public sector is widely recognized as a complex, multidimensional, and deeply embedded phenomenon that emerges from the simultaneous interaction of structural, institutional, political, economic, and individual factors. This multifaceted nature of corruption generates profound consequences for governance effectiveness, optimal allocation of public resources, and the level of public trust in governmental institutions. Contrary to reductionist perspectives that attribute corruption merely to individual misconduct or legal deficiencies, both theoretical and empirical evidence indicate that corruption possesses an inherently systemic and multi-level character. In the context of Iran, despite the proliferation of anti-corruption laws, regulations, and policy initiatives, the persistence and resilience of corrupt practices suggest a fundamental inadequacy in the existing analytical frameworks. Specifically, there is a notable absence of an integrated approach capable of capturing the dynamic interactions across multiple levels of analysis. Consequently, the central gap in the domestic literature lies in the lack of a comprehensive systemic model that can simultaneously explain both the "causes of emergence" and the "mechanisms of manifestation" of corruption across different layers of the public sector. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study was to identify the key drivers and inhibitors of corruption within the public sector and develop a multilevel systemic model that explained this phenomenon through the interactions among various organizational and environmental subsystems. Materials & Methods This study adopted a qualitative research design grounded in the interpretivist paradigm, aiming to achieve a deeper understanding of the underlying meanings and mechanisms associated with corruption in the public sector. Data were collected through 15 semi-structured interviews with a purposively selected group of experts, including academic scholars and senior public sector managers. A snowball sampling technique was employed to identify relevant participants and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, enabling the systematic identification, coding, and categorization of recurring patterns and themes within the dataset. MAXQDA software was utilized to facilitate the organization and analysis of the qualitative data. To ensure the rigor and trustworthiness of the findings, established qualitative criteria—including credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability—were applied throughout the research process. Furthermore, inter-coder reliability was assessed by using Cohen's Kappa coefficient, which yielded a value of 0.74, indicating substantial agreement and reliability in the coding process. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings of this study revealed that corruption in the public sector could be conceptualized as a multilevel systemic phenomenon encompassing 6 interrelated levels: managerial–structural, political, legal–judicial, individual–ethical, economic, and socio-cultural. At the managerial–structural level, corruption was primarily driven by weaknesses in incentive systems, inefficiencies in organizational processes, excessive centralization in decision-making, inadequate monitoring and control mechanisms, and the absence of meritocracy in recruitment and promotion practices. At the political level, key contributing factors included political interference, a lack of genuine political will to combat corruption, and ineffective oversight frameworks. The legal–judicial level was characterized by ambiguities in laws and regulations, weak enforcement mechanisms, ineffective sanctions, and insufficient protection for whistleblowers—all of which created opportunities for corrupt behavior to persist. At the individual–ethical level, the erosion of moral values, deficiencies in ethical evaluation systems, and shifts in societal attitudes toward corruption played a significant role in facilitating unethical conduct. From an economic perspective, income inequality, structural inefficiencies in the economic system, and livelihood pressures on public employees contributed to the normalization and perpetuation of corrupt practices. Finally, the socio-cultural level highlighted the importance of weakened social capital, a culture of tolerance toward corruption, and the limited effectiveness of civil society institutions in holding public actors accountable. Importantly, the study also identified corresponding corruption inhibitors across these 6 levels, emphasizing that anti-corruption mechanisms had to be aligned with the same systemic structure that generated corruption. The results clearly demonstrated that corruption was not the product of a single determinant; rather, it was the outcome of dynamic and systematic interactions among multiple levels. Notably, the managerial–structural level emerged as the central hub in the production and reproduction of corruption, exerting a significant influence on other levels. This finding carried critical implications: policy interventions that focused solely on legal reforms or intensification of punitive measures—without addressing underlying structural and managerial deficiencies—were unlikely to achieve sustainable outcomes. Furthermore, the interdependence among levels underscored the importance of understanding corruption as a complex adaptive system. For instance, deficiencies in the economic system might generate financial pressures that weakened individual ethical resistance, thereby increasing the likelihood of corrupt behavior at both the individual and organizational levels. In conclusion, this study highlighted that effective anti-corruption strategies require the adoption of an integrated, systemic, and multilevel approach. Policymakers must simultaneously address structural reforms, limit political interference, enhance the quality and enforceability of legal frameworks, strengthen professional ethics, improve economic conditions, and promote a culture of integrity within society. Failure to adopt such a comprehensive approach will result in fragmented and isolated interventions, ultimately allowing corruption to be reproduced across different levels of the system. فساد در بخش دولتی پدیده‌ای چندسطحی است که از برهم‌کنش متغیرهای ساختاری، نهادی و فردی شکل می‌گیرد و پیامدهای آن کارآمدی حکمرانی و اعتماد عمومی را تضعیف می‌کند. پژوهش حاضر به دنبال آن است تا با تمرکز بر بخش دولتی، عوامل و بازدارنده‌های فساد را در سطوح مختلف و با در نظر گرفتن زیرسیستم‌های سازمانی شناسایی کند و الگویی سیستمی و چندسطحی برای تبیین این مسئله ارائه کند. پژوهش با رویکرد کیفی و بر مبنای پارادایم تفسیرگرایی انجام شد. داده‌ها ازطریق ۱۵ مصاحبۀ نیمه‌ساختاریافته با خبرگان دولتی و دانشگاهی و تا دستیابی به اشباع نظری گردآوری و با تحلیل مضمون بررسی شد. نمونه‌گیری به‌صورت گلوله‌برفی از میان خبرگان دولتی و دانشگاهی انجام شد. اعتبار یافته‌ها براساس معیارهای کیفی و پایایی بین‌کدگذاران ازطریق شاخص کاپا با مقدار۷۴/ تأیید شد. یافته‌ها نشان داد فساد در بخش دولتی در شش سطح به‌هم‌پیوسته مدیریتی-ساختاری، سیاسی، قانونی-قضایی، فردی-اخلاقی، اقتصادی و فرهنگی-اجتماعی تبیین‌پذیر است. براساس یافته‌های پژوهش برای عوامل فساد و بازدارنده‌های آن به‌صورت متقارن شش سطح شناسایی شد که در عوامل فساد، سطح مدیریتی _ ساختاری با نُه مضمون فرعی، سطح سیاسی با دو مضمون فرعی، سطح قانونی _ قضایی با چهار مضمون فرعی، سطح فردی _ اخلاقی با سه مضمون فرعی، سطح اقتصادی با سه مضمون فرعی و سطح فرهنگی _ اجتماعی با سه مضمون فرعی بود. همچنین در سطوح بازدارنده‌ها سطح مدیریت _ ساختاری با چهار مضمون فرعی، سطح سیاسی با سه مضمون فرعی، سطح قانونی _ قضایی با سه مضمون فرعی، سطح فردی _ اخلاقی با دو مضمون فرعی، سطح اقتصادی با سه مضمون فرعی و درنهایت سطح فرهنگی _ اجتماعی با سه مضمون فرعی در طراحی الگوی نهایی شناسایی شد. الگوی پیشنهادی نشان می‌دهد فساد نه محصول عاملی منفرد، بلکه نتیجۀ تعامل نظام‌مند سطوح مختلف است و مداخلات سیاستی مؤثر مستلزم رویکردی یکپارچه و چندسطحی است.

https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30360_48ef5c258a9da874098ba33ac42eaa8d.pdf