| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Introduction The family as one of the most vital social institutions plays a crucial role in the socialization and institutionalization of values and norms. However, in today's world, the family has undergone significant transformations that necessitate careful examination and analysis. These changes encompass alterations in family structures, functions, and various forms all influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. Sociological studies indicate that traditional gender roles within families have evolved, leading to a diminished capacity for families to fulfill their functions. Notable shifts include an increase in cohabitation without marriage, growing individualism, changing values, and a focus on self-actualization. Additionally, economic relationships have shifted from being purely transactional to more emotionally driven. Similar trends are observed in Iran, where weak family interactions and a lack of dialogue space pose significant challenges. The rise of communication technologies, such as text messaging and online platforms, has exacerbated these issues. Statistical data further reveal structural and functional changes within Iranian families. The latest National Values and Attitudes Survey highlights shifts in family decision-making, marriage preferences, attitudes toward women's rights, and childbearing in Kermanshah. Many respondents noted a decline in moral values, support for women's rights to divorce and equal inheritance, a preference for non-relative marriages, a desire for smaller families, and evolving views on children's autonomy. The importance of this study lay in its potential to deepen our understanding of family dynamics and to provide practical, logical solutions aimed at enhancing family life. Materials & Methods This study employed a qualitative approach grounded in thematic analysis. The target population comprised experts knowledgeable about family transitions in Kermanshah. Participants were purposefully selected based on their extensive familiarity with the subject matter. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, utilizing both audio recordings and note-taking. The interviews continued until data saturation was achieved, meaning that the collection of new information ceased to reveal additional patterns or concepts. Data analysis followed the 6-step method outlined by Braun and Clarke, which involved: Familiarization with the data Searching for themes Generating categories from the text Reviewing themes Describing themes Analyzing based on interview responses Concepts related to family transitions were organized into foundational sentences and primary concepts. Subsequently, the primary categories were refined and subcategories were identified based on semantic similarities. These subcategories were then integrated into broader themes to highlight the most significant dimensions of family transitions. To ensure the validity and reliability of the findings, the data were evaluated and confirmed by family experts. Additionally, the processes of coding, theme extraction, and result interpretation were reviewed by relevant academic professionals, leading to necessary adjustments. Prior to the interviews, participants were informed about the research topic, objectives, data collection methods, and the benefits of the study, ensuring that their identities would remain confidential. Discussion of Results & Conclusion This study explored the transitions in family dynamics in Kermanshah from a sociological perspective, highlighting the influence of social, economic, and cultural factors. Kermanshah as one of the country's major cities features a diverse racial and ethnic landscape, which contributes to its unique cultural and value expressions. Research indicates that families in Kermanshah have experienced significant changes and transitions over recent decades. The findings derived from qualitative interviews with experts in family studies identified 11 key categories or themes related to the structural, functional, relational, and individual roles within families. Notable transitions included the decline of kinship ties, shifts in women's roles and marital relationships, nuclearization of family structures, changes in power dynamics among family members, evolving lifestyles, deinstitutionalization of marriage, weakening of collective and traditional values, increasing attention to children's rights, and cultural alienation. These changes presented both opportunities and challenges for families. In conclusion, the family remained a fundamental social institution in Kermanshah, serving as a vital source of emotional and social support and transmitting values and norms to future generations. However, various factors—cultural, economic, and technological—had prompted shifts in family structures and roles. Addressing these changes effectively required comprehensive and evidence-based approaches. The key solutions that government and family institutions could implement to support family stability included: financial education, strengthening family relationships, providing psychosocial support, reinforcing shared values, enhancing the educational system, promoting sustainable employment, developing social support programs, fostering a culture of dialogue, implementing balanced population policies, and bolstering cultural infrastructure. |