Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract Although physical distancing and home quarantine, along with the use of mask and vaccines, have been identified as the most important solutions to combat COVID 19, few studies have examined its social consequences in Iran. The aim of the research is the lived experiences of physical distancing and home quarantine during the period of COVID 19 pandemic in the city of Kerman. The study approach was qualitative and based on phenomenological method. Using purposive sampling, in-depth interviews (voice and video calls via WhatsApp) with 19 people aged 20 to 60 between April and May 2021. Data were analyzed using Brown & Clark's thematic analysis approach and four main themes were extracted: Confusion and pessimism, self-adherence to instructions and lack of adherence to others, changes in the pattern of social and economic actions, and the desire to reintegrate despite the ambiguity about the future. According to the findings, although some participants agreed with physical distancing and home quarantine, others eagerly sought to return to the high level of pre-COVID 19 social life, especially those in low-income or unstable jobs, who felt that the physical distance associated with COVID 19 had a negative effect on their mental health and well-being during the home quarantine period. 

Abstract The present study intends to explore the lived experience of saleswomen working in new shopping centers and thereby achieve its semantic implications. Malls and shopping centers have expanded in megacities such as Tehran in recent years. This shows forms of consumer culture in society, as well as informal work and the feminization of the workforce and its challenges. This research has used qualitative grounded theory method. The Purposive sampling Methods with maximum variety was used to gather the samples. Additionally semi-structured interviews were used to gather the data. 30 saleswomen working in shopping centers participated in the research sampling.
The results of the research show that causal factors such as economic autonomy, easy access to the sales job, femininity of the work environment, an opportunity to be seen and redefining the female identity, have played a role in explaining the lived experience of working women. Meanwhile, ignoring work rules, work bodies including؛ Exhibitive body (imposing clothing and makeup codes and saleswomen as a model), disciplinary body, faking kindness, and customer-oriented rationality act as intrusive strategies and conditions. According to the present study, the lived experience of saleswomen in shopping malls has resulted in accepting inferiority, and alienation. The Core category also implies "selling as exploitation".

Abstract Background and purpose: The study of new epidemics requires a structural and genealogical interpretation to analyze the background of its occurrence. The purpose of the current research is to understand the lived experience of activists from the perceived obstacles and benefits in the prevention of corona disease in Khuzestan province. Method: For this purpose, in the form of a qualitative design, 24 citizens were selected by purposive sampling and studied using in-depth semi-structured interviews, and finally, the data obtained from them were analyzed using the Clayzy method. Was analyzed. Findings: The analysis of the participants' experiences led to 8 main themes, including a mythological view of the disease, ritualism, the role of local activists, lack of social belonging, finding a solution for the lost identity, the weakness of the media as a powerful mediator, lack of the supervision of officials is a lack of power instead of capability. Conclusion: According to the findings, the role of structure-agency is important in adopting preventive behavior against the corona virus.

Abstract The corona epidemic had many consequences for all people in all societies. The present study examines the experiences of older women and seeks to identify the consequences they perceived and the strategies they adopted. The research method is qualitative, based on "Grounded Theory". The samples were purposefully selected through the snowball sampling method and the interviews were continued until reaching the theoretical saturation stage. The research findings show eight categories, of which four are about the consequences and four are about the strategies. Consequential categories include changes in daily life for the post-corona period, difficulties in adhering to health tips, stigma and notoriety for corona disease, and psychological distress. Categories related to strategies include disease control and prevention, increasing the spirit of responsibility, trying to adapt to the situation, and performing risky behaviors.

Abstract Oocyte donation forms a part of so called "Assisted Reproduction Technology" (ART) that assists infertile women with ovarian problems or other medical factors to achieve their dream of having a child. Understanding the experience of infertile women in a difficult decision-making period for oocyte donation and selecting it over other alternatives (adoption or to live without children) is significant. Little is known about the lived experience of recipient women though, especially in Iran, due to the cultural, social, and religious conditions of the society. The present article describes the experience of those infertile women. This study was conducted using qualitative method and phenomenological approach with the aim of recognizing and describing the experiences of the women recipients of donated oocyte. Eleven participants were selected by purposive sampling method from women who had turned to Royan Infertility Institute in Tehran, Iran. The data were generated from transcription of taped Semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data analysis was in accordance with the procedure introduced by Colaizzi. Six main themes emerged from the women’s descriptions of their experiences:(1) the possibility of maintaining the confidentiality in egg donation; (2) the opportunity of having the experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding ;(3) the chance of genetic transition from husband ;(4) the impact of time factor in choosing oocyte donation ;(5) oocyte donation being permissible from a religious point of view; and (6) emotional and social burden of infertility.