https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/ Strategic Research on Social Problems en daily 1 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29848.html IntroductionSexual 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 & MethodsThis 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 & ConclusionThe 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. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30027.html Introduction: Given the multitude of factors contributing to corruption and its numerous negative consequences, this research aimed to empirically test and generalize a data-driven theory designed to explain the causes of corruption. Modabbernejad and colleagues conducted a study titled "Using Shannon's Entropy Index to Explain the Background of Corruption in the Iranian Health Care System" and "Analyzing the Origins and Spread of Corruption in the Iranian Health Care System". The foundation of these two articles was a data-driven theory derived from interviews with stakeholders in the Ministry of Health. However, due to the nature of the research methods employed in these studies, the findings could not be generalized to the entire health care system. Therefore, this research was undertaken to empirically test the theory they proposed.       Materials & Methods This study employed quantitative and survey methods to examine the relationship between various contexts—including economic, social, cultural, legislative, decision-making, organizational, individual, and micro-level factors—and the perception of corruption among stakeholders in the healthcare system. Data were collected by using a researcher-developed questionnaire, which was informed by multiple stages of the study, including a review of existing literature on corruption in healthcare and semi-structured interviews with experts at the Ministry of Health headquarters. The statistical population consisted of healthcare staff in Shiraz, a city recognized for its advanced medical services, and Yasuj, a less developed city, totaling approximately 23,000 individuals. Using GPower software and an alpha level of 0.01, the desired test power was set at 0.80, leading to an estimated sample size of 384 participants. A multi-stage random sampling method was employed, selecting 4 hospitals and 4 health centers in each city through simple random sampling. In the subsequent stage, 208 respondents were randomly chosen from Shiraz and 176 from Yasuj. Smart-PLS3 software was utilized to test the hypotheses.   Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings indicated that all legislative, economic, decision-making, organizational, social, cultural, individual, and micro-level factors significantly influenced the perception of corruption. This confirmed the foundational data theory regarding the origins of corruption in the healthcare system, which had been validated empirically and generalized to the broader statistical population. Overall, the independent variables in this study accounted for 76.9% of the variance in perceptions of corruption within the Iranian healthcare system, while the remaining 23.1% was attributed to other unexamined factors. Notably, the impacts of legislative factors on the perception of corruption was significantly greater than those of other contexts. In terms of relative effect sizes, legislative factors exerted an influence that was 7.5 times greater than economic factors, 7.2 times greater than organizational factors, 11.2 times greater than individual factors, and 12.5 times greater than social and cultural factors. Based on the Q2 index, we could conclude that the predictive power of the structural model concerning perception of corruption was moderate. The manifestations of corruption in the Iranian healthcare system were closely linked to the broader corrupt conditions present in Iranian society. Addressing this issue effectively requires comprehensive reforms of both formal and informal structures that contribute to corruption. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29775.html IntroductionIn 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 & MethodsThis 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 & ConclusionThis 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. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29895.html IntroductionDespite 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 & MethodsThis 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 & ConclusionThe 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. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29981.html IntroductionIn 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 & MethodsThis 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 & ConclusionThe 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. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_29997.html IntroductionGender 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 & MethodsThis 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 & ConclusionThematic 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 & ImplicationsGender 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. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30007.html The present study aims to investigate the factors influencing the migration of Iranian students abroad. The research approach is qualitative, and the method used is meta-synthesis. The research population consists of all articles (93 articles) published from 2014 to 2024 on migration abroad in specialized and scientific databases within the country. The research sample includes 28 articles selected based on thematic monitoring, theoretical saturation of data, and purposive sampling. Through data analysis, the factors influencing the migration of Iranian students abroad were categorized into 7 factors and 30 categories, including educational factors (high educational standards, experienced and specialized professors, access to quality educational facilities, academic security); research factors (research credits and facilities, moral support for researchers, research infrastructure); cultural factors (cultural structures, lifestyle, respect for values and attitudes, valuing scientific activities, rule of law); social factors (civil liberties, social status and dignity, social justice); economic factors (life expectancy, material facilities, high income, job security); political factors (organized and transparent legal structure, political stability, freedom of expression, meritocracy, non-interference of politics in the academic environment, communication and interaction with other nations); and individual factors (marital status, family attachments, religious affiliations, gender, previous travel abroad). The results showed that the migration of Iranian students is not limited to a single factor and requires attention to various dimensions and aspects surrounding migration. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30035.html Human needs are profoundly linked to general migration, and particularly to international migration. The failure to satisfy various dimensions of human needs frequently leads to a growing tendency among young people to seek new opportunities for personal growth, socioeconomic improvement, and life changes in alternative geographic locations. This study aims to examine the relationship between different categories of human needs and the desire for international migration among young residents of Shiraz. The research sample consisted of 400 individuals between the ages of 15 and 29, selected through a multistage cluster random sampling method. A combination of theories from Robbins and Judge, Glasser, and De Haas was employed to construct the study's theoretical framework. Data were collected in 2023 using a survey-based research method and a researcher-designed questionnaire. The findings indicate that physiological needs and the need for acceptance and respect exhibit the strongest correlations with the desire to migrate. Moreover, the need for growth and achievement did not correlate statistically with the desire to migrate. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30036.html The present study examines the relationship between exposure to online delinquents, online and offline communication and interactions with friends, and self-control with delinquent behaviors (traditional and cyber) among students of Kashan University. Using criminological theories, the research explores three main perspectives: social influence, social selection, and situational factors. The collected data indicate that both offline interactions and proximity to motivated offenders significantly increase the likelihood of committing traditional and cyber crimes, while self-control plays a preventive role specifically in cybercrime. These findings suggest that although online interactions with friends have an independent and positive effect on delinquent behavior, offline interactions still play a more significant role in this regard. Path analysis results also show that 41% of the variance in traditional and cyber delinquency can be explained by the linear combination of the independent variables present in the model. Based on these findings, the importance of crime prevention programs, which include closer monitoring of social interactions and strengthening self-control skills, is emphasized. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for further research and the usefulness of new methods and approaches in examining the connection between online and offline interactions with friends and exposure to online delinquents https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30086.html In recent years, particularly following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the number of Afghan migrants in Iran has increased significantly; therefore, studying and analyzing their situation within Iranian society has gained particular importance. With an identity-based approach in architectural design, this research examines the possibility of cultural interaction between Afghan migrants and the Iranian community. Using Bricol’s identity-process theory and a qualitative methodology, the needs and living patterns of Afghans residing in the brick-kiln settlements of Mahmoudabad, Tehran, were identified. The findings indicate that while Afghan migrants preserve key components of their identity, they have also established a form of cultural interaction with Iranian society through the existing social networks within the kilns. Emphasizing the role of identity components in shaping architectural structures, this study investigates four indicators: continuity, distinctiveness, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Finally, design strategies derived from interview data are proposed to support the preservation and strengthening of the migrants’ individual and social identities. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30089.html This article examines the hostile rivalry between Israel and Iran from a political-sociological perspective, analysing its historical, ideological, and geopolitical dimensions. The analysis begins with Israel’s attack on Iranian territory on June 13, 2025, interpreting it as part of a long-standing cycle of tension and escalation. The article argues that Israel pursues security and hegemonic objectives by systematically constructing an enemy image of Iran, whereas Iran’s strategy is primarily defensive, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and promoting a multipolar regional order. The study investigates ideological and religious frameworks of legitimation—including the notion of the “chosen people” and the biblical concept of “Greater Israel”—and applies postcolonial perspectives to contrast a Western-aligned Israel with an anti-imperialist Iran. By integrating theories of enemy construction, the security dilemma paradigm, and postcolonial geopolitics, it demonstrates that this confrontation is deeply structural and cannot be reduced to recent political developments alone. In conclusion, the article outlines potential pathways toward peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. These include mutual recognition of power, regional cooperation, and the reduction of ideological hostility. The paper calls for a revised security order in West Asia—one that moves beyond unilateral domination and is grounded in a credible Iranian deterrence capability, both political and military, sufficient to guarantee regional stability even without nuclear weapons. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30096.html Social injuries in orphaned and neglected adolescents, particularly in foster care centers, are critical issues affecting social security and may lead to mental disorders, delinquency, and reduced social cohesion. This research examines the formation of injuries in adolescents aged 12 to 17 within foster care centers, focusing on family contexts such as parental addiction, divorce, domestic violence, and poverty, which often result in orphanhood or neglect. Conducted as an applied qualitative study using Strauss and Corbin’s (1990) grounded theory, the research involved purposeful and theoretical sampling until saturation, with 17 semi-structured interviews (9 boys, 8 girls) representing maximum diversity in age, gender, duration of stay, and referral reasons. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2022 through open, axial, and selective coding. Findings, presented as a paradigmatic model, indicate that adolescent injury—the core category—is shaped by causal conditions (orphanhood, neglect, family disintegration, economic poverty), contextual conditions (marginalization, parental unemployment, crime-prone neighborhoods), and intervening conditions (parental mental illness, rejection by relatives, marital infidelity). These factors lead adolescents to strategies such as running away or referral to centers and result in consequences including depression, academic dropout, risky behaviors, and social functional disorders. These injuries not only arise from functional deficits but can exacerbate social problems. The study recommends supportive interventions in foster care centers, emphasizing the strengthening of social bonds and life skills training, to mitigate the cycle of injury among adolescents. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30128.html This study aimed to identify the meanings, indicators, and barriers to hopefulness among student-teachers and propose effective strategies for its enhancement. Adopting an interpretive paradigm and a qualitative approach, the study utilized qualitative content analysis focusing on the theoretical research type of components and structures. Research participants were student-teachers at Farhangian University of Kurdistan Province during the 1403–1404 academic year, with data collected via semi-structured interviews. Findings were categorized into three main steps: 1) Definitions of hopefulness (7 categories)—such as the ability and pathway to sustain life and the effort to achieve goals—and its indicators (11 categories)—including having specific goals, strengthening social connections, and increased resilience. 2) Identification of factors and barriers (11 categories), which encompassed the influence of environmental factors, challenges encountered during school internships, lack of practical training, and adverse economic conditions. 3) Presentation of solutions (11 categories) for elevating hopefulness, such as educating students through workshops, improving welfare facilities, and curriculum revision. The findings lead to the conclusion that hopefulness among student-teachers fluctuates due to multiple intervening factors, and crucially, despite the assurance of employment, the level of hopefulness among Farhangian University students appears to be declining. This suggests that hope is not solely dependent on job security; the primary driver of this decline was identified as the fear of future unpredictability and instability, compounded by issues like unstable economic conditions and the challenges faced during school placements. The study therefore recommends that specific interventions be implemented to address these critical issues. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30131.html Violence against healthcare workers is a serious challenge in the health system, rooted in the social, cultural, and organizational structures of society. This phenomenon negatively affects the quality of healthcare services, patient satisfaction, and the mental well-being of medical staff. This qualitative study, based on the grounded theory approach, aimed to identify the underlying factors and mechanisms that perpetuate violence and anti-physician attitudes in healthcare settings in Ahvaz, Iran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. A total of 30 interviews were conducted with healthcare staff working in hospitals affiliated with Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, and data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding. Findings revealed that violence against healthcare workers emerges from the interplay of structural, cultural, and professional factors, categorized into thirteen main categories: Normalization of violence, exhausting bureaucracy, weakness of resilience and empathy, transition from paternalistic to patient-centered medicine, absent physician, negative media representation, emotional detachment in Medicine, trust gap and occupational burnout. These categories constitute the primary conditions for the emergence and reproduction of the vicious cycle of anti-physician attitudes in healthcare institutions. The study concludes that addressing this issue requires fundamental reforms in health policy, institutional and financial support for medical staff, positive media representation of their social role, criminalization and legal deterrence against violence, and a shift toward participatory, community-centered models of doctor–patient relationships. Such measures can enhance social resilience and empathy, thereby contributing to the reduction of violence in healthcare environments. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30296.html Today, cyberspace has a wide impact on the dimensions of people's lives, especially their performance in the family. Since the family is the basis and context from which people borrow their performance in order to participate in society and the community, this study examined the effect of the amount and type of use of cyberspace on family performance using a meta-analysis method. For this purpose, 128 studies that met the methodological criteria for entering the meta-analysis were selected from among the relevant studies between 2011 and 2012 and were analyzed using the comparative(correlation)method ofCMA-3 software. The findings showed that the amount of cyberspace use is 279/ and the type of use is 0.043% effective on family functioning. According to the Cohen effect size interpretation table, the amount of use is less than average, and the type of use is low, which can affect the overall family functioning.The findings indicated that the amount of cyberspace use has the greatest impact on reducing marital satisfaction. This finding shows that the amount of cyberspace use is more effective than anything else on the couple's relationship, and the amount of use is much more important than the type of use of this cyberspace.