A Sociological Study of the Transformations in Women’s Economic Roles and its Effects on Rural Household Livelihoods )Case Study: JoshaqVillage, Delijan County(

Author

Department of Social Sciences Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jrd.2025.390395.668905

Abstract

Despite the transformations in women’s roles, their responsibilities have not vanished; rather, they have evolved in response to the changes, to the extent that women continue to play a significant role in maintaining domestic livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. The present study is an endeavor to conduct a sociological investigation into the transformations in the economic duties of women and their impact on the livelihood of rural households.
In the current qualitative study, 36 women from the Joshaq Village of Delijan County were selected using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling methodologies. The grounded theory approach was employed to analyze the data collected from 22 individual and group interviews conducted with rural women in the region.
The results indicate that, in the past, women had a significant contribution in agricultural and pastoral activities, with marketing, selling, and processing a large portion of products being among their responsibilities. Not only did the fulfillment of these responsibilities assist in meeting household requirements, but they also provided a critical economic resource for rural families. Additionally, women contributed to household income through carpet weaving. Nevertheless, the economic activities of women have undergone significant transformations due to various factors, including the decline in agricultural activities, monoculture farming, changing agricultural practices, children’s migration, increased autonomy and decision-making power, and changes in lifestyle. These transformations have been influenced by intervening factors such as evolving living conditions, increased awareness and education levels among women, the diversification of life amenities, and the growing resemblance between urban and rural lifestyles. Women continue to contribute to household livelihoods through various means, including acquiring new skills, employment outside the home and village, and participation—albeit to a limited extent—in seasonal flower harvesting and carpet weaving, despite the fact that this role transformation has resulted in an increase in consumerism and household dependency in rural areas.
Although the transformation of women’s economic roles has resulted in a reduction in their self-sufficiency, an increase in dependence on extra-familial institutions, and an alteration of some of their economic activities, rural women continue to make efforts to contribute to the survival of their households.

Keywords

References

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