Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract Women face various challenges in accessing sexual health services during the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Considering the socio-cultural sensitivities surrounding sexual health, this study focuses on the experiences of Iranian women within the healthcare system, particularly concerning HPV infections.
Employing a qualitative approach, this study includes in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten sexually active women from various Iranian provinces who were either infected or suspected of having an HPV infection, and had visited gynecologists. Purposive sampling was employed, and content analysis was used to analyze the collected data.
Three main themes and seven sub-themes emerged: (1) Challenges in dealing with the healthcare system, including sub-themes of "financial constraints" and "legal barriers"; (2) Physician-patient interactions, encompassing "patient preconceptions," "physician's approach," physician’s response," "patients expectations" and “secretary role”; (3) Importance of privacy and confidentiality were identified as the last theme.
The findings indicate that social stigma associated with HPV extends beyond individual interactions to healthcare systems. The identified barriers to accessing and utilizing sexual health services emphasize the need for policy reassessment in healthcare provision and a deeper understanding of the complex physician-patient dynamics, particularly in the context of HPV infections.

Abstract The main goal of this research is modeling of collective wisdom in experimental levels. The research method is multi-instrumental case study and to select cases from the Chalabi stratification system, to collect data from a semi-structured interview, and according to the nature of the topic and research questions, the Boolean technique was used to analyze the data. In order to empirical modeling and find intersections and differences between theoretical and experimental patterns using Boolean Algebra technique, first by extracting and identifying related causal conditions in each of the four areas that are displayed in the form of truth tables, the experimental core pattern in each of the four social domains was analyzed and examined from the perspective of the interviewees and also in whole in their place. then, integrated model of research at the theoretical level was compared with the combined model at the experimental level. The findings indicate that the cognitive diversity is essential for the emergence and strengthening of collective wisdom Over and above that, realization and strengthening of the collective wisdom in different domains of a society needs different preconditions. In the economic domain, real competition as well as reducing government interventions, in the political domain, serious participation and existence of a national government, in the social domain, strong inter-groups relations across society as well as lack of political dominance over civil society, and finally in the cultural domain, prevalence of the norms of fairness, honesty, and truth-seeking in the society and discursive relations are needed.

Abstract Due to the higher frequency of addicted men compared to women, drug usage and addiction has been considered as a male phenomenon in the most societies. Thus, gender differences are neglected in this field. The present study aims to analyze the upstream documents and general plans and policies of the field of drug consumption, in order to attract the attentions to gender sensitivity.
Using thematic analysis techniques, this research is qualitative and examines policy documents in the field of narcotics and addiction from the years 2006 to 2019,
The results showed that as the proportion of female addiction and drug use and the sensitivity of the society towards gender equality has been increasing, gender awareness and sensitivity in policy documents of drug use and addiction has grown up. Meanwhile, policy documents has not been sensitive enough with regard to gender distinctions and in most of them gender differences are almost neglected.
As a result, women’s characteristics and distinctions have not been considered in the programs and projects planned to face, control and reduce the harms of addiction and to treat the female addicts. Thus, these policy documents themselves are an obstacle for a realistic confrontation with women addiction. Therefore, for a better performance of drug use and addiction policies and programs, it is necessary that these policies and programs be sensitive enough to gender differences. It is also required that special programs planned and performed for controlling and treating women’s drug use and addiction.
 

Abstract The phenomenon of child labor is recognized as one of the major social challenges in Tehran, with significant consequences for the individual and social lives of these children. The present study aims to analyze the lived experiences of child laborers in Tehran. The target population included 10 to 12-year-old child laborers enrolled in the Sobhe Royesh School in Tehran, with Iranian and Afghan nationalities, selected through purposive sampling. The sample size reached saturation after 15 participants. This study employed a qualitative approach based on the descriptive phenomenological method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Giorgi and Giorgi’s method. The findings, categorized into 9 main themes and 25 sub-themes, revealed that child laborers experience diverse forms of harm. The main themes included harmful interaction patterns, deprivation of social capital, maladaptive behavioral patterns, family system disruption, deprivation of educational capital, bio-economic vulnerability, physical exhaustion, sexual abuse, and economic exploitation. The results highlight the necessity of formulating comprehensive support policies, enhancing collaboration between governmental and parivate institutions, and raising public awareness about the rights of child laborers.

Abstract This article investigates the integration process of “Bagh-e-Ney” village into the metropolis of Kermanshah and its resulting consequences. The theoretical framework is based on the ideas of Michel de Certeau and Martin Heidegger. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, the study uses document analysis, observation, and interviews for data collection. Sixteen participants were selected through purposive sampling.
Findings indicate that prior to its integration, Bagheni was a livable rural settlement. In the early 1960s, the provincial association undertook initiatives such as constructing a school, a public bathhouse, water pipelines, and canal dredging—measures that significantly enhanced the village’s livability. At the same time, territorial encroachment began and continued through the end of the 20^th century. Key developments included the construction of the 22 Bahman residential complex to the west, military facilities to the north, and the transfer of Ferdows Garden and the Agricultural College lands to the east—reflecting increasing annexation during the 1960s and 1970s. Following the 1979 revolution, the development of educational facilities, residential neighborhoods between the village and military zones, and the expansion of Jahad-e-Daneshgahi (Academic Jihad) further facilitated the village’s incorporation into the city.
This integration was a prolonged, top-down process shaped by broader economic, social, and political dynamics. Despite “Bagh-e-Ney” limited inclination toward urban integration, Kermanshah’s authority expansionist policies forcibly absorbed the village into the city-boundary. The consequences included: (1) loss of agricultural land, (2) widespread dispossessions, (3) decline in livability, (4) emergence of a marginalized neighborhood, (5) low property values, and (6) imposed isolation behind tall walls.
 

Abstract Instagram, as a social networking platform, plays an important role in self-representation. People with disabilities can use Instagram to represent themselves and reduce social stigma. This study aims to understand how disabled women represent themselves on Instagram. This study is based on Goffman's theory on managing social influence and stigma and a post-feminist perspective, and uses a qualitative content analysis method. The images and captions of Instagram posts of sixteen Iranian disabled women who were active on Instagram were analyzed. The results showed that disabled women use images with the content of grooming, presence, and activity outside the home, kindness, and love to manage the influence and reduce the stigma of disability. The content of the captions focuses more on their relationship with the world (others, God, nature, and objects), and the least emphasis is placed on the nature of the world. In introducing themselves, themes related to power, empowerment, strength, and happiness are repeated. Bloggers use a combination of images and text to convey the message "a disabled woman is not incapable."