Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract This research focuses on the mindset of students in Tehran universities towards inter-gender relationships in the family and their perceptions and expectations of their ideal family. The methodological approach of the current research is a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 male and female students from three universities in Tehran,. The obtained data were analyzed by thematic analysis method. The findings of the research in the three axes of expectations from married life, the pyramid of power in the family and the gender division of domestic work show that the girls and most of the boys participating in the research have a positive view of the family and want it to be a comforting place that provides opportunities for growth and development for its members. Majority of the participants criticize the patriarchal family and claim more equality in the family. The superior-inferior, male-female relationship in important aspects of life have been questioned by a significant part of our participants, although this attitude still exists among some participants. Finally, the normative ambiguity in the attitude of students towards the family can be considered as the central axe of the research findings. Students criticize the patriarchal family model, but they are ambiguous in recognizing and accepting the requirements of the civil family. This ambiguity is not specific to students; it is part of the larger transformations in gender relations and family patterns in Iran today.
Keywords: mindset, family, student, Tehran universities, sexual division of labor, qualitative study.
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