Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract The Present study seeks to investigate the status of street quarrels among citizens of Sanandaj. The study is based on qualitative methodology of grounded theory. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and participant observation techniques. 15 person with experience of involvement in street quarrels were included in the sample. Comparison Methods of Strauss and Corbin was used to analyze the data. Seven Categories were selected from 64 initial codes and the category of "social deformity /obstruction of communication action" were introduced as the central category. Findings of the research based on interviews with people involved in street quarrels and coding of responses also indicate that three groups of causative, background and interventional factors were identified in the paradigmatic model. The causative factors include the lack of communication skills, the reduction of the threshold of tolerance and financial and family disputes. the underlying factors such as location, socioeconomic status and parenting and education have been the contributing factors. Structural violence and cultural poverty were identified as intervening factors.  The interaction of these factors cause the preparation of conflict grounds, tendency to conflict, and ultimately the occurrence of street quarrel in Sanandaj.

Abstract In the present research, the way youth are exposed to the dominant identity discourse and their methods of resistance, negotiation or agreement with this discourse is investigated. The study is based on theoretical framework related to cultural studies and constructivism. The theoretical framework of the research is derived from the Laclau and Mouffe's approach of domination and discourse, and the Stuart Hall’s encryption and decryption model. In doing the research the methodology of discourse analysis has been used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 youth from Sanandaj. Subsequently, the texts provided by the interviews were compared to the texts of the official discourse, which was represented in the "Young Generation Education Charter". According to the findings of the research, ​​the opposite discourses to the dominant identity discourse (fundamentalism within the framework of the Islamic Revolution) have had the greatest presence and influence in the evolution of the social identity of the youth of Sanandaj in the three national, ethnic, and religious dimensions. Finally, the incompatibility of the formal identity model with the wishes and position of the youth has led to a crisis of identity and inefficiency.

Abstract The main objective of the study was to investigate the simultaneous effects of social structures and learning processes on the attitude towards honor killings. This study is cross-sectional and conducted using survey method. The population of the study consists of all men and women over 18 years of Marivan in Kurdistan province that 384 of them have been selected by applying Cochran's sampling formula as the final sample. Using cluster sampling method, researcher made questionnaire, distributed among the respondents and required data were collected. The theoretical framework of the study is the Social Structure - Social Learning (SS-SL) of Ronald Akers. The results of the study indicated that 19.4 percent of respondents have a positive attitude towards honor killings (27.6 percent of men and 5.3 percent of women), while the attitude of 38.2 percent (28.1 percent of men versus 55.6 percent of women) were negative. In addition, the analytical results showed that the social learning variables are the most powerful and important predictors of attitude toward honor killings. Among the structural factors, variables such as feeling of gender inequality, the acceptance of patriarchal beliefs, and religiosity, are the most important predictor variables of attitude toward honor killings. The findings support the theory of Social Structure- Social Learning (SS-SL), indicating that the impact of structural variables on attitude toward honor killings, are mediated by social learning variables.
 

Abstract The purpose of this article is to investigate the effects of ethnocentrism on fertility intentions and behaviors among Kurdish and Turkish women. Data were collected through interview with 384 married women aged 15-49 years old in Maku city. Results showed that there are significant differences in fertility of Kurd and Turk women. The CEB of Kurds (2.2 children) was higher than Turks (1.9 child) at the time of the investigation. The mean of Ideal fertility was 2.6 for Kurds and 2.1 for Turks. The results indicated that ethnocentrism (social, cultural, and political ethnocentrism) is higher among Kurds. Findings showed that with the increase of ethnocentrism, actual and Ideal fertility increases too. Multivariate analysis showed that, by controlling socio-demographic variables, ethnocentrism has significant effect on actual, desired and ideal fertility. 

Abstract One of the most significant messages of religions particularly Islam, is justice, freedom, equality and emancipation from discrimination and injustice among human beings. The aim of the present paper is to investigate the attitude of one of the religious movements, namely " Iranian Call and Reform (Daavat & Eslah) Organization" towards women. Research was conducted according to the ethnographic method. Data were collected through semi-structured interview with 30 active members of Iranian Call and Reform Organization in Sanandaj. The results indicate that the organization has adopted a new approach about women and separate itself from  national and religious traditions. This movement by adopting a new interpretation from "feqh" and religious texts, aims to support women's rights and criticize the current condition of women in Kurdistan. This movement recognizes the Islamic approach as the best method to support and protect the women's right. Iranian Call and Reform Organization encourages active presence of women in political and social sphere of Kurdistan.

Abstract Iran is a diverse country in terms of ethnic groups. According to some evidences, ethnic cleavage among ethnic groups is evident. This study aims at investigating the social and historical roots of ethnic cleavages and struggles.  The theoretical foundation of study is Stein Rokkan's theory. The research method is historical-comparative, based on documentary and secondary data. The results show that conflict among some ethnic groups existed historically. The formation of a centralized modern state, Lack of national identity, and social, cultural and political inequalities among ethnic groups and sense of discrimination have played a prominent role in emergence of ethnic conflicts and struggles. The justice and reduction of inequality in different dimensions can improve the ethnic cleavage.