Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor of Demography, Department of Demography, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
2 Masters student in urban planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i Universit, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the barriers to women's participation in the Reyhan Shahr Project of District 12 of Tehran Municipality. This research has used the qualitative method and grounded theory strategy. In-depth and semi-structured interviews with 35 participants were used to collect data. The results show that the identified central phenomenon of social reconstruction is structural heterogeneity in the mentality of activists; which is a set of background conditions including: preference of individual issues over neighborhood issues, role conflict and pressure, understanding of the municipality as a service to social institution, a set of causal conditions including: lack of positive feedback from previous plans, disproportionate information, unseen issues, Ambiguity of the Reyhan Shahr plan, lack of attention to the level of capabilities of the participants, idealism instead of realism, monetization of Reyhan Shahr, ignoring social contexts, being in the process of development, complexity at the beginning of the plan, complexity during the implementation of the plan, and technology complexity The design and set of intervening conditions including: unstable plans, institutional mistrust, contemporary organizational issues and powerlessness originate in the power ladder. As a result of the set of said factors, the opinions and constructions of the activists include the lack of belief in the effectiveness of the plan and the idea that Reyhan Shahr plan is a show. Policy proposals are included in the text.
Keywords: Social Projects, Women's Participation, Reyhan Shahr Project, Tehran City.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Women typically constitute approximately half of the population in any society; thus, their active participation in various domains, including social activities, is crucial for sustainable development. The involvement of women not only legitimizes urban initiatives but also contributes to their institutionalization. In recent years, one of the primary objectives of the Tehran Municipality has been to enhance women's participation in social projects. A notable platform established by the municipality is the Reyhan Shahr project, which aims to identify, empower, and leverage the capacities of social activists in the areas of women and family advocacy.
Literature Review
A review of the literature on women's participation reveals that the obstacles and factors influencing their involvement in social projects can be categorized into three overarching domains: 1) Political Factors, 2) Social Factors, and 3) Individual Factors. Within the realm of political obstacles affecting women's participation in Iran, a significant emphasis is placed on the lack of coordination and alignment in the implementation of women’s participation programs across different governmental administrations. Additionally, various studies highlight political dimensions such as satisfaction with the performance of mayors, trust in city managers, engagement in decision-making processes, and the progression from a state of non-participation to one of empowered citizenship as critical factors influencing women's involvement in social initiatives. Social factors encompass a broad spectrum of variables that impact women's participation, as detailed in the literature. Finally, individual factors include elements such as the conflict between women's domestic roles and their community participation, the geographic distance between women's residences and venues for participation-oriented activities, as well as demographic characteristics including the number of children, the presence of minor children in the household, and marital status.
Methodology
This research employs a qualitative methodology utilizing a grounded theory approach. Data collection was conducted through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 35 participants. The study is situated within District 12 of Tehran, which comprises several neighborhoods, including Shemiran Gate (population: 33,637), Iran (22,600), Baharestan (15,128), Ferdowsi (7,637), Abshar (24,186), Imamzadeh Yahya (11,318), Pamnar (2,045), Qiyam (19,355), Siros (8,855), Bazar (4,273), Sangalj (25,040), Kausar (26,623), Harandi (24,479), and Takhti (24,584), as per the most recent census data. Participants were purposefully categorized to achieve theoretical saturation and to garner nuanced insights. The first group consisted of individuals responsible for women's affairs within the municipality or those with executive roles in implementing relevant programs. The second group included individuals who have collaborated on social projects, particularly within the Reyhan Shahr initiative, and who have participated in various capacities. The third category encompassed those recognized as activists in this research, who have solely engaged in organizing social projects, especially in Reyhan Shahr. The fourth category consisted of participants who have exclusively taken part in community-oriented projects or workshops, thereby establishing themselves as active contributors to regional development. Finally, the fifth group included neighborhood residents who neither participate in workshops nor engage in community-oriented activities.
Results
The findings indicate that the central phenomenon of social reconstruction is characterized by structural heterogeneity in the perceptions of activists. This phenomenon encompasses a range of background conditions, including a preference for individual issues over community concerns, role conflicts and pressures, and the perception of the municipality as primarily a service-oriented social institution. Causal conditions contributing to this phenomenon include a lack of positive feedback from previous initiatives, disproportionate dissemination of information, unrecognized challenges, ambiguity surrounding the Reyhan Shahr plan, and insufficient consideration of the participants' capabilities. Additionally, idealistic perspectives that overshadow pragmatic considerations, the commodification of Reyhan Shahr, neglect of social contexts, developmental complexities at both the inception and implementation phases of the plan, and technological intricacies also play significant roles. Furthermore, a set of intervening conditions—namely, unstable planning, institutional mistrust, contemporary organizational challenges, and a sense of powerlessness stemming from hierarchical dynamics—exacerbates these issues. Consequently, the collective perceptions and constructions held by the activists reflect a profound skepticism regarding the efficacy of the Reyhan Shahr initiative, with many viewing it as merely performative rather than genuinely impactful.
Conclusion
The municipality must endeavor to reshape the participants' perceptions regarding their involvement in the Reyhan Shahr project. The prevailing notions that frame the initiative as merely performative or ineffective necessitate a transformation of the central construct identified in this research—the reconstruction of structural heterogeneity in participants’ understandings. This transformation arises from the contextual, causal, and intervening conditions previously discussed and requires comprehensive communication and clarification. Detailed policy proposals aimed at addressing these issues are elaborated upon in the subsequent sections of the text.
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