Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract Hujras are humble rooms in the mosques of Kurdistan's pre-modern history, which were a place for study and living of the seminarians. These centers were the core institution of knowledge production in general, and religious knowledge in particular. In this article, we examine the decline of Hujras and their corresponding discourse, Hujra Islam, through studying the intellectual transformation of four prominent Kurdish poets, from the second half of of 19th century to the middle of 20th century. They themselves were educated in the Hujras, but at some point of time, abandoned their studies and started to develop a kind of modern literary discourse. Historical thinking and a type of critical social approach were two pillars of their poetical themes, which gradually came into conflict with the theological structure of Suffi Islam. we argue that this discourse transformation has taken place in parallel to a process of sociohistorical transformation which led to the gradual decline of pre-modern socio-religious authorities (Shaykhs and tribal chiefs) and the emergence of a new urban and modern elite. The study is based on two group of sources. First: biographies and literary works of the poets in order to grasp a good account of their life events as well as intellectual transformation. Secondly, historical sources for reconstructing a general image of the historical period of their life. Careful examination of these two sources enables one to place intellectual developments of the individual poets in their historical circumstances in order to build a bridge between intellectual and social – historical levels and achieve a good understanding of relationship between the two.
 
 

Abstract  Rural women face marginalization in decision-making processes, encountering numerous obstacles against active participation in the community affairs. This study aims to explore the possibilities and tools through which women themselves express and articulate their demands and opinions. The data collection utilized qualitative methods, primarily through semi-structured interviews with women from Hoshak village in Sistan and Baluchestan province. The analysis employed Thematic Analysis. The findings reveal that beyond conventional methods, rural women employ cyberspace groups (WhatsApp) as mechanisms to voice their concerns. In case of setbacks, they resort to actions such as escalating demands to higher authorities, seeking mediation from village leaders, or taking spontaneous actions to address their needs. Influencing factors on women's voice in the village include special privileges for some women to express themselves, while disincentives involve rural community and women's considerations upon women's presence and participation, impossibility for women to attend village meetings, and discriminations against women in village cyberspace groups. The results suggest that an expectation has developed among women, particularly those with higher education levels, to be acknowledged and heard by village officials. Consequently, traditional administrative attitudes toward women in rural areas have become less effective. The transformative experience of the village's cyberspace group provides women with information about local events and opportunities to express their demands and opinions. In conclusion, despite women creating pathways and mechanisms within rural culture, their peripheral status persists due to factors such as awareness levels, information sharing, and limited opportunities for effective expression.  

Abstract The present study aims at identifying factors affecting children's happiness in the open spaces of residential complexes. Happiness, as a multidimensional phenomenon, includes social (positive relationships with others), emotional (experience of positive emotions), and cognitive (satisfaction) dimensions, which interact to shape the overall experience of happiness. In terms of purpose, the research is applied, in terms of type, it is quantitative, and in terms of method, it is survey-based and descriptive-analytical. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, one-sample t-test, and regression analysis in SPSS_v.24. The results of the Pearson correlation test, with a coefficient of 0.639, confirmed the research hypothesis that there is a positive and direct relationship between the environmental-physical qualities of open spaces in residential complexes and children's happiness. The highest correlation was found for environmental legibility and clarity (0.633), followed by green space (0.577). The predictability of happiness based on environmental factors was determined through regression analysis. The results showed that variables such as the vehicular movement system (0.169) and physical environmental amenities (0.177) had an indirect effect on happiness, while other variables, such as environmental legibility and clarity (direct effect 0.271 and indirect effect 0.232), green space (direct effect 0.366 and indirect effect 0.189), and pedestrian access (direct effect 0.218 and indirect effect 0.203), had both direct and indirect effects. The findings indicate that children prefer activity and dynamism in the environment over pre-determined facilities for experiencing satisfaction and happiness. Therefore, future research may focus on investigating children's preferred activities in the open spaces of residential complexes and identifying the necessary environmental capabilities for these activities.
 
 

Abstract The aim of this research is to study the consequences of development on the trend of suicide in the provinces of the country (31 provinces). The study employs a longitudinal, within-country comparative method, with the unit of analysis being each province over time. Data were collected using documentary research techniques, including books, articles, theses, previous research, and secondary data from relevant government websites.
The findings reveal a significant relationship between development indicators and suicide rates. Specifically, social development (urbanization, industrialization, GDP), economic development (Gini coefficient, unemployment/employment, and poverty), and human development (literacy, education, life expectancy) are all associated with suicide trends. Ultimately, poverty, as an indicator of provincial underdevelopment, has shown an inverse and decreasing effect-contrary to the claims and findings of other researchers who suggest an increasing effect of poverty on suicide. Higher poverty rates were associated with lower suicide rates. Meanwhile, rapid urbanization and industrialization have had an increasing effect on the suicide rate.
In conclusion, the effects of development on suicide are multifaceted. While certain aspects may contribute to an increase, development overall—particularly in its broader social and human dimensions—appears to reduce suicide rates. Thus, development is not solely associated with negative outcomes, but also has a positive, mitigating impact on suicide.
 
 

Abstract Urbanization in Iran has experienced rapid and accelerated growth, which has led to numerous problems and challenges for Iranian cities. Given the significance of informal settlements and their impact on various levels of society, this study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of research articles on the consequences of informal settlements in urban areas during the period 1991–2022. The research method is applied in terms of purpose, quantitative in terms of data collection, and employs a descriptive meta-analysis approach. The statistical population includes all registered studies in national research and information databases that have addressed the issue of informal settlements. A systematic review of journal databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Out of 250 initially selected articles, 39 met all the required criteria based on the established protocol. These were then analyzed using the CMA2 software. The findings indicate that the consequences of informal settlements include physical and non-physical domestic violence, social deviance, child labor and street children, and a general sense of social insecurity. Failure to address the root causes of these issues can lead to their re-emergence in different forms, ultimately threatening sustainable urban development from environmental, social, cultural, and economic perspectives.

Abstract Public spaces play a vital role on shaping the social fabric of a city and fostering interactions among its diverse residents. Studies have shown that streets and public spaces designed with strong social infrastructure can help reduce everyday tensions and promote social understanding. These spaces act as public meeting points where people from different backgrounds coexist, exchange ideas, and engage in social interactions; this leads to the vitality of urban spaces.
This study addresses the complex relationships between individuals’ mental states, social behavior dynamics, and environmental factors influencing behavior. To achieve this goal, the role of social infrastructure in shaping relationships with urban strangers is examined and offers valuable insights into promoting social care, respect, and peaceful coexistence in urban environments. By distinguishing between two ways of behaving with urban strangers, the impact of various factors on street wisdom and street manners has been elucidated.
Sanandaj, as a city that has experienced rapid population growth and demographic diversity, offers a unique environment for studying urban coexistence. Residents, due to migration from different regions inside and outside the Kurdistan province to this city, bring with them diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity not only enriches the social landscape of the city but also provides opportunities for cultural interactions and exchanges.
The present article was conducted within the framework of studying public life on the streets of Sanandaj and with the aim of clarifying the behavioral patterns of citizens among urban strangers. While addressing the state of coexistence, it also examined the factors affecting street interactions and was able to gain an understanding of the challenges of urban social dynamics and the mechanisms of interactions in the world of strangers.
Using methods such as Pearson correlation coefficients and path analysis, attempts have been made to uncover the hidden factors that influence the behavior of urban strangers and their interactions with the public environment of the city. This theoretical framework allows researchers to analyze the interaction between individual action, social norms, and spatial arrangements in shaping the urban experience.