Document Type : Original Article
Author
Academic staff of Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, Iran
Abstract
Deprivation is associated with the lack of privileges as well as social rewards; therefore it affects the quality of life and health of the society due to its impact on the individual as well as the society. Due to living in the informal suburbs of the city and encountering the norms governing these neighborhoods, women living in the foresaid area have experienced continuous and interminable sufferings in their personal and family life, as well as the neighborhood network, hence they have lived with deprivation; however, they have always remained silent. Applying the qualitative and phenomenological approach based on the scientific process, this study aims to pay attention to this vulnerable group. Furthermore, applying semi-structured interviews, it also aims to analyze and interpret deprivation from various dimensions in the family and the neighborhood by focusing on the experiences of 25 women living in the informal settlement of Al-Teymor in Mashhad. Based on the content of the conducted interviews, it was indicated that women have experienced deprivations in terms of the network of social relations, social power and dignity, and finally access to resources and opportunities. Social interaction is the main and constructive pillar of social life; however, according to the findings of the research, the foresaid women had cold interactions in the family, especially with their husbands, and referred to the lack of intimate, positive and equal emotional relationship. They generally have a weak role in decision-making because their needs and interests are ignored or their husbands imposed restrictions on them. Moreover, they have often witnessed their husbands breaking the commitments of their marital life. At the level of the neighborhood and the neighborhood network, they have also experienced and suffered embarrassment and weakness in interactions affected by mistrust and dishonesty. The results of the research indicated that due to the acceptance of the existing unwritten rules in maintaining patriarchal patterns, women have experienced inequality in enjoying power regarding power relations and social status. They have always had an inferior position and received a small share of respect in the family. In addition to what has been mentioned, the lack of services and facilities in the place of residence, the lack of income and expenses of the family in the current economic conditions, as well as the imposed obstacles or restrictions conducted by the spouse in accessing or using the limited and available opportunities, are grounds for the deprivation and dissatisfaction of women. Hence, under these conditions, they are immersed in merely carrying out daily routines and are stopped from improving their capabilities. These findings were discussed and analyzed in the following article and corresponding practical implications were presented to improve the situation.
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