Identifying the Social and Economic Contexts of the Emergence of Female Begging Phenomenon (Case Study: Khorramabad City)

perInstitute of Humanities and Social Studiesپژوهش انحرافات و مسائل اجتماعی3060-821X3060-82282025-03411132articleIdentifying the Social and Economic Contexts of the Emergence of Female Begging Phenomenon (Case Study: Khorramabad City) abozar ghasemiabozar.ghasemi2013@gmail.com1vali bahramibahrami1171@gmail.com2Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.  Today, due to economic pressures on one hand and the increasing individuality and anonymity in large cities on the other, begging has emerged as a significant urban issue. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the social and economic contexts contributing to the formation and expansion of female begging in Khorramabad city. The research adopts a qualitative approach, with the study population consisting of all female beggars in Khorramabad. Sampling was conducted purposively, and the sample size was determined based on the saturation criterion, resulting in semi-structured interviews with 15 participants. The collected data were thematically coded and analyzed. Consequently, after coding and analyzing the data, 304 open codes, 30 sub-themes, and 7 main themes were extracted. The findings indicate that the social contexts of begging include "conflict of religious value rationality, unproductive interactions, reduced shame and stigma of begging, and lack of or poor guardianship," while the economic contexts encompass "lack of vocational skills, begging as an easy income source, and generational poverty." The results suggest that empowering these women by enhancing their vocational skills and reducing unproductive interactions within familial contexts and chains of generational poverty could redirect them toward productive employment.   Keywords: Begging, generational poverty, poor guardianship, easy income, lack of professional skills. Extended Abstract Introduction Today, begging has become a widespread phenomenon, not confined to a specific country, region, class, or group of individuals. It is observed among the elderly, the sick, the disabled, the blind, the mentally challenged, children, and even able-bodied individuals. In recent decades, this phenomenon has evolved into a challenging issue in our country, not only tarnishing urban landscapes but also yielding diverse social and cultural consequences. From this perspective, the present study seeks to identify the social and economic contexts contributing to the formation and expansion of female begging in Khorramabad city. Historically, the intertwined nature of ethnic-kinship social relations among the people of Lorestan shaped their beliefs and lifeworld around existence, life, work, and livelihood, with the components of this lifeworld harmonizing across different times and places. However, the transition from a traditional to a modern society and the resultant changes caused the traditional community’s economic agency to lose one of its key constitutive and driving institutions—namely, the "family," and, more crucially, the labor force of "women." Indeed, women were once a platform for promoting "work as effort" within the cohesive Lorestan community. With the collapse of women’s indigenous livelihoods, the phenomenon of female destitution and begging has emerged in this province. The disintegration of traditional systems, communal lands, and local communities has constrained cooperative economic actions, diligence, local frugality, and traditional production, replacing them with consumerist, fragmented, profit-driven economic competition and female poverty. Additionally, Lorestan province has ranked first nationally in the misery index over the past three years due to persistent poverty, unemployment, and high inflation rates. Consequently, many individuals, facing income, livelihood, and poverty-related challenges, have migrated from other counties to the province’s capital, Khorramabad. The rise in migration over recent years has led to increased settlement of migrants in the city’s marginalized areas. These women bear the responsibilities of breadwinning, housework, child-rearing, and caring for children and the elderly. The compounded pressures, loneliness, social exclusion, diminished social support, feelings of insecurity and helplessness, susceptibility to violence, perceived failure in fulfilling maternal roles, and persistent fears and anxieties about their own and their children’s futures expose them to various physical, psychological, and social harms. Female begging also entails further consequences and harms, such as prostitution, forced engagement in illicit activities, unwanted pregnancies, mediation in trafficking networks, addiction, theft, divorce, identity loss, and contagious diseases. The theoretical considerations of this study posit that begging is a goal-oriented action rooted in specific patterns. Initially, beggars become trapped in poverty due to structural pressures stemming from lack of access to legitimate and productive income sources. Subsequently, this action becomes entrenched within a cohesive community due to cultural poverty and a culture of poverty. With reduced shame and social stigma, conditions are facilitated for these women to earn income through begging without fear or negative social values surrounding the phenomenon.   Method The research adopts a qualitative approach, characterized as descriptive-analytical and applied in terms of its objectives. It is cross-sectional in terms of time. The study population comprises all female beggars in Khorramabad city. Sampling was conducted purposively, with the sample size determined based on data saturation and repetition (15 interviews). The process ceased when data repetition was observed in the interviews, at which point coding commenced. The interviews were semi-structured. Participants were selected in person based on their willingness to participate, ability to speak and converse, over one year of begging experience, and possession of rich information. Data were recorded and documented through note-taking. Thematic analysis was employed for coding and analyzing the data. This process began with transcribing and line-by-line reading of the data to achieve a coherent understanding of the interview texts. Subsequently, the most significant meaning units (which could be a phrase or a word) were extracted from the text, categorized, and initial open codes were derived. Categories were then extracted and reviewed, and through defining and naming them, the extracted categories were systematically presented in a textual report. During the coding and analysis process, 304 open codes, 30 sub-categories, and 7 main categories were identified. To validate the data, techniques such as review by some participants, expert review for code and theme extraction, and ensuring clarity, credibility, and transferability were utilized. To uphold research ethics, participant confidentiality, prevention of data disclosure, voluntary participation, consideration of participants’ working conditions, and complete data recording (without altering the data’s quality or quantity) were ensured.   Findings The findings reveal that the social contexts of begging include "conflict of religious value rationality, unproductive interactions, reduced shame and stigma of begging, and lack of or poor guardianship," while the economic contexts consist of "lack of vocational skills, begging as an easy income source, and generational poverty." In Lorestan province, religious and spiritual ties remain strong. Individuals, based on their religious socialization, consistently exhibit a practical inclination toward assistance, support, and altruistic actions. Consequently, beggars exploit these religious sensitivities to earn income. By using religious symbols such as pictures of Imams, green cloths, or swearing by the Imams, they manipulate these religious affiliations, sometimes receiving substantial sums from people. Moreover, beggars lack adequate social capital and socioeconomic networks, limiting their opportunities for income generation and vocational skill acquisition. Their interactions predominantly occur with individuals lacking productive and generative economic agency, placing them in a cycle that offers no escape from their current conditions. Economic circumstances further compel these women to resort to begging, leading them and others to perceive that they should not be met with disdain or rejection. The necessity of earning income has diminished the associated shame. Women engaged in this activity consider themselves entitled, legitimizing it and reducing the stigma of begging to generate income. Additionally, some of these women are either unmarried or have husbands addicted to drugs, creating a compulsion to work and earn. In cases of lack of guardianship, women serve as family breadwinners, needing to meet the household’s economic demands. In poor guardianship scenarios, the husband lacks breadwinning capacity and contributes little to the family economy, forcing women to work. High vocational skills correlate with stable employment and decent income. Although some of these women possess training in skills such as baking or handicrafts, their lack of initial capital prevents them from utilizing these abilities. This situation undermines their adaptability to viable markets for income generation, resulting in failure to secure suitable employment. Begging involves no labor-intensive effort or pressure, and given their lack of skills, these women can earn income easily without capital, production tools, shop rentals, or municipal taxes, aligning with the norm of "easy income." In contrast, governmental or other productive employment entails fatigue, repetition, and burnout, with individuals often perceiving no proportionality between effort and income. However, begging allows women to earn income without significant challenges, merely by overcoming social stigma and shame. They face no financial loss or risk, making begging a "win-only game" for them, where one party earns without investment or creativity, while the other adds to their income through pity and charity. Thus, the profit from this activity is effortless, involving minimal physical strain or anxiety over losing capital.   Conclusion The discussion highlights that begging in Khorramabad is expanding as negative norms and values surrounding it diminish. Structural pressures from lack of access to sustainable economic resources, combined with the formation of a begging identity as a "job" reinforced by the theme of "easy income," and the conflict between citizens’ religious rationality and their inclination to assist, have institutionalized this phenomenon, indicating a decline in the shame associated with begging. In this context, female beggars create a spatial divide between their living and working environments (more evident among migrants from outside the province), facilitating their pursuit of income. Thus, the current conditions in Khorramabad exacerbate the social and economic contexts of begging. The perpetuation of poverty within families further limits these individuals’ ability to escape their circumstances. Addressing this situation structurally and sustainably requires targeted institutional and social support to empower these women toward legitimate, productive, and normative employment. This would enable them to repair unproductive interactions, enhance their vocational skills, and overcome their status-related frustrations. Overall, combating the expansion of this phenomenon requires, at the macro level, that the government and policymakers prioritize prevention and responsive, targeted interventions over therapeutic and rehabilitative measures. Secondly, strengthening inter-institutional collaboration (involving the police, municipality, technical and vocational organization, relief committee, welfare organization, and medical sciences) with non-governmental organizations and expanding community-based activities for prevention and responsive interventions is essential. At the meso level, altering family perspectives on female beggars and the consequences of begging for families and children through increased awareness is necessary. Leveraging national media, local media, and social networks could be beneficial in this regard. Additionally, when these women are referred to beggar women’s camps, providing vocational training and supervised facilities by officials and social workers could aid their empowerment. Given that most of these women lack or have poor guardianship, engaging them in quick-return activities and creating home-based jobs could support their sustainable livelihood and dignity. Moreover, considering the prevalence of drug addiction among these women, their husbands, or their children, intervention and treatment measures for addiction cessation are recommended.   References Agnew, R. (1992) Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and. Delinquency".Criminology, 30, pp 48. Bukoye, R.O. (2015) Case Study: Prevalence and Consequences of Streets Begging among Adults and Children in Nigeria, Suleja Metropolis. Procedia – Social and Behavioural Sciences, Vol 171, 323–333 Gabriel, E., Fasakin, j.o. Mande, K. H (2015) Evidential Socio-Economic and Cultural Characteristics Defining Street Begging in Akure, Nigeria, IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and food Technology. Vol 9 (8). 67-78. Iqbal, R (2016) Begging: A Growing Threat in India. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 2 (8):37-62. Ismail, R. (2013) Phenomenon of begging children, conductive studies. Iraq, 1(42), 27-31. Shakoori A, Motamedi H (2013) Analysis of Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Begging in the City of Mashhad. socio-cultural Dev Stud; 1(3). sociological review; 3 (5). Study monographs Supplementary issue (2005), 29.pp. 185- 19                  http://risi.ihss.ac.ir/Article/46639Begging generational poverty poor guardianship easy income lack of professional skills.perInstitute of Humanities and Social Studiesپژوهش انحرافات و مسائل اجتماعی3060-821X3060-82282025-034113359articleConsequences of Early Marriage Among Women in Ahvaz CityShamsi Pourabasimeesh138692@gmail.com1jafar kordzanganehj.zangeneh@pnu.ac.ir2mansour sharifisharifim@ut.ac.ir3PhD Student, Demography, Research Sciences Unit, Islamic Azad University, Iran. Assistant Professor of Demography, Department of Social Sciences, Payam Noor University, Iran.Associate Professor of Demography, Department of Social Sciences, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran.  Early marriage is globally associated with various health and social consequences for adolescent girls. This study aims to explore the consequences of early marriage among women in Ahvaz city. The research adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing purposive sampling, with data saturation achieved after 22 interviews. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The quality of the findings was assessed using Lincoln and Guba’s trustworthiness criteria. Data analysis followed Smith’s three-stage descriptive-interpretive model. Analysis of the coded interviews revealed that the consequences of early marriage encompass 63 concepts, organized into 13 subcategories and two main categories: (1) emergence of diverse harms and challenges in women’s marital life (lack of decision-making power and problem-solving skills, interference by others due to the young age of the couple, lack of awareness and understanding of life’s issues and challenges, unpreparedness for parenting, inadequate knowledge of interacting with spouse and others, psychological issues, physical problems, and unpleasant sexual experiences due to psychological distress), and (2) unfulfilled personal desires and interests (inability to provide suitable conditions for children, resulting in their victimization, inability to pursue education or employment, premature marital life and regret over missing age-specific experiences, lack of comfort and peace of mind, and neglect of personal appearance and body). Collaboration and support from the government and relevant organizations, such as the Ministry of Education, Welfare Organization, Ministry of Science, and Ministry of Interior, are essential to combat child marriage and establish a foundation for gender equality.   Keywords: Early Marriage, Consequences, Women, Ahvaz, Qualitative Method   Extended Abstract Introduction Early marriage is a social phenomenon observed in many societies, particularly in less-developed regions. It carries widespread consequences across health, social, and psychological domains for adolescent girls. In Ahvaz city, this issue represents a significant social challenge warranting in-depth investigation. This study seeks to identify the consequences of early marriage among women in Ahvaz and propose strategies to mitigate its prevalence.   Methods The study employed a qualitative research design. Data were collected through purposive sampling, with 22 semi-structured interviews conducted until saturation was reached. Smith’s three-stage descriptive-interpretive analysis model was used to analyze the data, and the trustworthiness of the findings was evaluated based on Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.   Findings The results indicate that the consequences of early marriage can be categorized into two main themes: (1) emergence of diverse harms and challenges in women’s marital life, and (2) unfulfilled personal desires and interests. In the first category, marital harms stemming from early marriage include a lack of decision-making power and problem-solving abilities, interference by others due to the young age of the couple, insufficient awareness and understanding of marital and life challenges, unpreparedness for parenting, lack of knowledge about interacting with a spouse and others, psychological issues, physical problems, and unpleasant sexual experiences linked to psychological distress. These factors result in numerous challenges for women in their marital lives, undermining their autonomy in managing life issues. In the second category, unfulfilled personal aspirations encompass an inability to create suitable conditions for children (leading to their victimization), inability to pursue education or secure employment, premature entry into marital life accompanied by regret over missing age-specific experiences, lack of comfort and peace of mind, and neglect of personal appearance and body. These findings suggest that early marriage negatively impacts women’s personal growth and social development.   Conclusion and Discussion Beyond individual consequences, early marriage also entails broader social ramifications. Increased divorce rates, marital instability, domestic violence, financial and emotional dependence on the natal family, reduced literacy levels, and diminished social participation among women are additional problems arising from this phenomenon. Collectively, these factors lower women’s quality of life and impair their ability to fulfill effective roles within the family and society. This study highlights that raising awareness among girls and their families about the consequences of early marriage is a critical strategy for its reduction. Education plays a pivotal role in reducing early marriage by integrating relevant topics into curricula, providing information, and teaching life skills to lower its prevalence. Furthermore, governmental legal and executive support—such as enacting stricter minimum age laws for marriage, enhancing supportive policies for girls, and expanding educational and employment opportunities—can effectively address this issue. Collaboration among institutions like the Ministry of Education, Welfare Organization, Ministry of Science, and Ministry of Interior is vital to combat child marriage and create conducive conditions for gender equality. Empowering women through social, economic, and educational support not only mitigates early marriage but also improves their mental and social well-being, ultimately contributing to sustainable societal development.   References Azimi, K. (2020) The trend of girl child marriage in Iran based on national census data. Sexual and reproductive health matters, 28(1), 1820655. Efevbera, Y., Bhabha, J., Farmer, P. E., & Fink, G. (2017) Girl child marriage as a risk factor for early childhood development and stunting. Social Science & Medicine, 185, 91-101 UNICEF. (2022) Global database – Child marriage, Retrieved from https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/child-marriage/.Wang, Y., & Qiao, J. (2020) Trends and social determinants of adolescent marriage and fertility in China. The Lancet Global Health, 8(7), e873-e874. Yoosefi Lebni, J., Solhi, M., Ebadi Fard Azar, F., Khalajabadi Farahani, F., & Irandoost, S. F. (2023) Exploring the consequences of early marriage: a conventional content analysis. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 60, 00469580231159963.http://risi.ihss.ac.ir/Article/48619Early Marriage Consequences Women Ahvaz Qualitative Method.perInstitute of Humanities and Social Studiesپژوهش انحرافات و مسائل اجتماعی3060-821X3060-82282025-034116183articleSociological Explanation of the Lifestyle of Female Instagram Users in Sanandaj Citysara mohammadis.mohamadi4011@gmail.com1Khadijeh Zolghadrkzlghadr@hotmail.com2mohammad mehdi labibilabibi_mehdi@yahoo.com3PhD Student in Sociology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences and Communication and Media, Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran, Iran. This study was conducted to sociologically analyze the lifestyle of female Instagram users residing in Sanandaj city. The research employed a survey method, with the target population consisting of 85,687 women aged 20 to 40 in Sanandaj. From this population, a sample of 398 participants was selected using Cochran’s formula and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-designed lifestyle questionnaire and an Instagram usage questionnaire. Pearson correlation test results revealed relationships between Instagram usage and specific lifestyle dimensions: attention to body (r = 0.421), recreational patterns (r = 0.342), dietary patterns (r = 0.233), and social interaction patterns (r = 0.384). Furthermore, regression model analyses indicated that Instagram usage accounts for 34% of the variance in lifestyle (β = 0.34).   Keywords: Lifestyle, Instagram Network, Virtual Space, Women of Sanandaj   Extended Abstract Introduction Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms (Anderson & Jiang, 2018). Although it emerged as a relatively new social media platform in 2010, a field study by the Iranian Public Opinion Center (ISPA, 2024) highlights its rising popularity among Iranian youth following the filtering of Telegram. The report notes that 54% of Iranian youth aged 18–29 is active on Instagram, underscoring the importance and necessity of researching the effects of this platform on various lifestyle dimensions. Among the groups significantly affected by both the tangible and subtle harms of such networks are girls and women. A noteworthy aspect is that the anonymity and unfamiliarity of these social networks, combined with their unrestricted and open nature, provide Iranian women with greater opportunities to transgress societal norms compared to real-world settings. Field observations and studies in Sanandaj, which indicate the emergence of social anomalies among women in this city—partly due to its cultural, ethnic, and religious distinctions from other parts of Iran—make it a suitable case for evaluating lifestyle patterns. To provide a more scientific explanation of this issue, the present study seeks to answer the question: What impact does the use of the Instagram social network have on the lifestyle of women? A critical point is that Instagram users are exposed to an idealized portrayal of others’ lives within this captivating media space. Without adequate media literacy, this exposure may unconsciously elevate their desires and expectations. If individuals lack the resources or capabilities to meet these heightened expectations, they may experience relative deprivation, potentially leading to reduced life satisfaction. Given the limited studies on Instagram and its effects on women’s lifestyles, this research aims to elucidate how Instagram usage influences the lifestyle of women in Sanandaj.   Methods This study employs a descriptive-survey method. The target population consisted of all women aged 20–40 residing in Sanandaj in 2024. A sample size of 386 was estimated, but after accounting for incomplete questionnaires, the final sample reached 398 participants, selected via convenience sampling. To measure lifestyle, a researcher-designed questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale was utilized. The questionnaire’s validity was established by consulting sociologists and experts to ensure content alignment with the intended variables, with their feedback reviewed and incorporated. A pilot test was conducted on a diverse sample of 35 women. To assess internal consistency and reliability, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to measure the correlation of each item and variable scale with others, ensuring the tool’s reliability for final implementation.   Findings Table 1. Descriptive Statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation) of Research Variables <table> <tbody> <tr> <td width="85"> Variable </td> <td width="32"> Mean </td> <td width="44"> Std. Dev. </td> <td width="48"> Minimum </td> <td width="60"> Maximum </td> <td width="56"> Skewness </td> <td width="52"> Kurtosis </td> <td width="54"> Variance Inflation </td> <td width="42"> Durbin-Watson </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="85"> Attention to Body </td> <td width="32"> 12.28 </td> <td width="44"> 4.82 </td> <td width="48"> 8.13 </td> <td width="60"> 17.52 </td> <td width="56"> 0.853 </td> <td width="52"> 0.485 </td> <td width="54"> 2.70 </td> <td width="42"> 1.70 </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="85"> Recreational Pattern </td> <td width="32"> 13.32 </td> <td width="44"> 4.36 </td> <td width="48"> 10.89 </td> <td width="60"> 16.44 </td> <td width="56"> 0.371 </td> <td width="52"> -0.287 </td> <td width="54"> 1.78 </td> <td width="42"> 1.70 </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="85"> Dietary Pattern </td> <td width="32"> 13.40 </td> <td width="44"> 4.86 </td> <td width="48"> 10.12 </td> <td width="60"> 18.71 </td> <td width="56"> 0.558 </td> <td width="52"> -0.197 </td> <td width="54"> 1.41 </td> <td width="42"> 1.70 </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="85"> Social Interactions </td> <td width="32"> 15.52 </td> <td width="44"> 3.58 </td> <td width="48"> 13.11 </td> <td width="60"> 18.56 </td> <td width="56"> 0.003 </td> <td width="52"> -0.407 </td> <td width="54"> 1.78 </td> <td width="42"> 1.70 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 2. Relationship Between Instagram Use and Women’s Lifestyle Regarding Attention to Body <table width="502"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="254"> Independent Variable </td> <td> Dependent Variable </td> <td> Test Value </td> <td> Significance Level </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="254"> Instagram Use </td> <td> Disruption in Attention to Body </td> <td> 0.421 </td> <td> 0.027 </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="254"> It can be inferred that increased Instagram presence correlates with a tendency toward a lifestyle focused on attention to body and body modification, contributing to some extent to disruptions in this domain. </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 3. Relationship Between Instagram Use and Unconventional Lifestyle Regarding Recreational Patterns   <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> Independent Variable </td> <td> Dependent Variable </td> <td> Test Value </td> <td> Significance Level </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Instagram Use </td> <td> Disruption in Recreational Pattern </td> <td> 0.342 </td> <td> 0.041 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> It can be concluded that increased Instagram use correlates with a tendency toward an unconventional lifestyle, particularly in terms of disrupted recreational patterns. </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 4. Relationship Between Instagram Use and Unconventional Lifestyle Regarding Dietary Patterns   <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> Independent Variable </td> <td> Dependent Variable </td> <td> Test Value </td> <td> Significance Level </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Instagram Use </td> <td> Disruption in Dietary Pattern </td> <td> 0.233 </td> <td> 0.048 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> It can be stated that increased Instagram presence contributes to a tendency toward a lifestyle marked by disruptions in dietary patterns. </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Table 5. Relationship Between Instagram Use and Unconventional Lifestyle Regarding Social Interaction Patterns <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> Independent Variable </td> <td> Dependent Variable </td> <td> Test Value </td> <td> Significance Level </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Instagram Use </td> <td> Disruption in Social Interaction Pattern </td> <td> 0.384 </td> <td> 0.039 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> It can be inferred that excessive Instagram use correlates with a tendency toward a lifestyle characterized by disruptions in social interaction patterns. </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Discussion and Conclusion The aim of this study was to sociologically examine the lifestyle of female Instagram users in Sanandaj. Data analysis revealed a significant relationship between disruptions in attention to body and Instagram usage. Given the positive direction of this relationship, it can be concluded that as Instagram use among women increases, they exhibit a greater inclination toward a non-traditional (modern) lifestyle concerning attention to body and body modification. These empirical findings suggest that Instagram usage has significantly influenced changes in the lifestyle of the studied women. This aligns with the findings of Rasulzade Aghdam and Adlipour (2014) and Sepehri (2014), who inferred a shift in attention to body influenced by a modern lifestyle orientation. Regarding the second hypothesis, a significant relationship was found between Instagram use and women’s lifestyle in terms of recreational patterns. The positive correlation indicates that as Instagram activity increases, women show a greater tendency toward a modern recreational lifestyle. This finding is consistent with studies by Rasulzade Aghdam and Adlipour (2014), Sepehri (2014), and Abdollahnejad Farahani (2014), which identified the influence of virtual spaces on leisure patterns. For the third hypothesis, a significant relationship emerged between Instagram use and disruptions in dietary patterns. It can be inferred that as Instagram use rises, women increasingly adopt a modern dietary lifestyle. Research by Rasulzade Aghdam et al. (2015) and Abdollahnejad Farahani (2014) similarly highlights the impact of social media on dietary patterns, noting changes in leisure activities associated with increased virtual network usage, aligning with this hypothesis. The fourth hypothesis confirmed a significant relationship between Instagram use and disruptions in social interaction patterns. The results suggest that increased Instagram presence correlates with a shift toward a modern social interaction lifestyle. This implies that greater Instagram use may lead women to adopt more modern social interaction patterns. Navabakhsh’s (2014) findings also indicate that the use of modern communication tools fosters distinct lifestyles, influencing behaviors such as attitudes toward marriage across various life domains. Overall, this study demonstrates that female Instagram users in Sanandaj adhere to a non-traditional, modern lifestyle. Consistent with Niroomand et al.’s (2014) research on factors influencing women’s presence in virtual networks in Tehran, it can be argued that women, exposed to a dual-world environment, encounter shifting cultural symbols tied to lifestyle. They manifest the effects of virtual network participation through their relationships and daily lives, constructing new, self-fashioned identities via virtual and symbolic interactions.   References Anderson, M., & Jiang, J. (2018) Teens, Social Media and Technology 2018. Pew Research Center. ISPA (2024) Iranian users’ interest in using social networks. Retrieved from: <a href="http://ispa.ir/Default/Details/fa/1953">http://ispa.ir/Default/Details/fa/1953</a> Rasulzade Aghdam, S., Adlipour, S., Mir Mohammadi Tabar, A., & Afshar, S. (2015) Analysis of the role of social media in the tendency toward a modern lifestyle among Iranian youth. Contemporary Sociology, 6(4), 33–60.    http://risi.ihss.ac.ir/Article/48217Lifestyle Instagram Network Virtual Space Women of Sanandaj.perInstitute of Humanities and Social Studiesپژوهش انحرافات و مسائل اجتماعی3060-821X3060-82282025-0341185113articleWomen's political participation: from obstacles to opportunities (Qualitative study of barriers and opportunities for women's political participation in women's political participation in Khorramabad city)karamollah javanmardk.javanmard@abru.ac.ir1Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Hazrat Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Boroujerd, Iran.Political participation among women is a significant and dynamic concept. It fosters feelings of satisfaction, trust, and self-confidence among women in any society. This study aims to understand and analyze the barriers and opportunities for women’s political participation in Khorramabad city. The research employed a qualitative, grounded theory approach. To this end, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 women from Khorramabad and university professors, selected through purposive sampling combined with snowball and maximum variation strategies. Data analysis yielded 95 initial codes, eight core categories, and one central category extracted through a systematic coding process: causal conditions (patriarchal atmosphere and male exclusivity, economic challenges: lack of economic empowerment, political apathy: perceiving politics as insignificant), contextual conditions (strengthening social capital: solidarity and political development, self-confidence: personal development and social status), intervening conditions (self-deprecation and personal weakness, lack of willpower, low self-esteem, challenges related to morale and determination), strategies (positive and negative, creating gender-equal opportunities for political participation, financial and social support, fostering a vibrant political atmosphere), attitudinal dimensions (ranging from willingness to participate and satisfaction to isolation and political apathy), and consequences (enhancing solidarity, social and political cohesion, strengthening social capital, promoting socio-political vibrancy, active public political participation, building trust and self-confidence in women, maximizing the use of skilled human resources, socio-political development, increasing socio-cultural security, and boosting social trust). Additionally, "women’s political participation: opportunities and challenges" emerged as the central category, and a paradigmatic model was developed from the data. The findings indicate that women’s political participation or lack thereof varies depending on diverse social, structural, and individual conditions.   Keywords: Women’s Participation, Political Dimensions, Participation Opportunities, Participation Threats, Grounded Theory.   Extended Abstract Introduction The importance of women’s political participation holds global significance and transcends specific geographical boundaries. It is a critical factor in the political development process of any society (see Akhondi et al., 2023; Vaezi & Hosseini, 2023; Raeisi et al., 2023; Siamian Gorji et al., 2021; Hussein & Jalal, 2024; Dauletova et al., 2022; Nayeem & Bhat, 2022; Kaston, 2022). In Iran, women’s political participation has consistently been influenced by the circumstances and contexts in which they find themselves. Amid significant political, social, and economic transformations across various spheres of life, women’s participation in all domains appears essential (Siamian Gorji et al., 2021, p. 20). In today’s world, one of the key indicators of a society’s level of development is the extent and nature of women’s participation in economic, social, and political life. Women constitute half of the human resources available in societies (Ghaderzadeh & Rezazadeh, 2019, p. 64). The United Nations Development Programme’s (2020) report on member states’ efforts to achieve gender empowerment and women’s political inclusion reveals that women’s presence in political arenas and power structures remains lower than men’s, potentially due to the patriarchal nature of political systems in Middle Eastern countries and customary or religious restrictions that hinder their prominent engagement across various fields (Mirsharkaran et al., 2021, p. 341; Palmer & Simon, 2005). A review of previous studies indicates that research on women’s political participation, particularly regarding opportunities and barriers, remains relatively limited and requires further scientific exploration. Accordingly, this section examines the most relevant prior research. Usman et al. (2024) conducted a study titled “The Role of Education and Skills in Increasing Women’s Participation in Population Policy,” employing a qualitative approach through literature review, policy analysis, and multiple interviews. Their findings highlight that education significantly enhances women’s access to information and knowledge necessary for decision-making in population policies. Hussein and Jalal (2024) investigated pathways to gender-based political empowerment and envisioned women’s political participation in Iraq. Their results suggest that the collapse of the Baath regime created a promising opportunity for women’s political involvement in Iraq.   Methods This study utilized a grounded theory method Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, a method particularly compatible with grounded theory method. Initially, informal conversational interviews were conducted with participants’ consent to identify concepts and categories. The interviewees comprised women from Khorramabad and university experts. Once initial concepts and categories emerged, a general interview guide was used to pursue these elements further, aligning with theoretical sampling and the inherent nature of grounded theory. After the interviews’ general framework was shaped by concepts and categories, a set of open-ended questions was designed, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. These questions addressed the state of women’s political participation, facilitating factors, barriers, and proposed solutions. In this study, theoretical saturation was reached after 23 interviews, though interviews continued to 26 to ensure saturation. The primary data analysis structure in grounded theory relies on three coding stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Following these stages, the central issue was integrated into core categories, termed the main category. This main category, derived from all research categories, can be summarized in a few words while encompassing all identified concepts and categories.   Conclusion Political participation, particularly among women, is a multifaceted issue of significance for every society, with various communities employing diverse strategies to encourage socio-political engagement (Ghaderzadeh & Rezazadeh, 2019, p. 64). Among the key causal conditions identified in the paradigmatic model are a patriarchal atmosphere and male exclusivity, economic challenges (ranging from lack of economic empowerment to insufficient financial support for women), and political apathy (perceiving politics as unimportant), reflecting the multidimensional nature of barriers to political participation. On one hand, social and cultural conditions indirectly create obstacles to women’s active participation in socio-political arenas; on the other, the absence of financial and economic support and their inability to compete economically with men reinforce feelings of exclusion, driving women toward political apathy and disinterest. These findings align with those of Akhondi et al. (2023), Hussein and Jalal (2024), Kaston (2022), Mirsharkaran et al. (2021), and Montazeri et al. (2021). Following the analysis of causal conditions, contextual conditions and foundations for fostering political participation were interpreted. The paradigmatic model highlights critical contextual factors such as strengthening social capital (solidarity and political development) and self-confidence (personal development and social status). These findings are consistent with studies by Kaston (2022), Siamian Gorji et al. (2021), and Mirsharkaran et al. (2021). Intervening conditions, referred to as aggravating or facilitating factors, also influence women’s political participation. One significant factor pertains to morale, willpower, and individual personality traits, such as self-deprecation, lack of self-belief, and perceiving men as superior in political matters. These factors reduce women’s political participation, fostering apathy and reluctance to play an effective role in the socio-political sphere. This aligns with findings from Akhondi et al. (2023), Siamian Gorji et al. (2021), and Mirsharkaran et al. (2021). Regarding strategies proposed by interviewees, both positive and negative approaches were identified. Structural and macro-level strategies include creating gender-equal opportunities for political participation, providing financial and social support, recognizing women’s political management capabilities, and fostering a vibrant political atmosphere, which guide society toward greater cohesion. Conversely, individual-level strategies indicate that some women adopt isolation and political indifference. The data suggest that implementing positive, structural strategies not only enhances political participation but also pulls women out of isolation and apathy, encouraging positive societal contributions. These results are consistent with Akhondi et al. (2023), Usman et al. (2024), Hussein and Jalal (2024), and Siamian Gorji et al. (2021). Ultimately, numerous positive outcomes arise from expanding women’s political participation. The cornerstone of comprehensive development lies in the participation of all societal segments, with women representing a significant portion of this capacity. Enhanced socio-cultural security and increased socio-political trust are just a fraction of the positive consequences of engaging women in political and social spheres.   References Akhondi, M., et al. (2023) Pathology of women’s political participation in Tehran based on grounded theory. Women in Development and Politics, 21(4), 837–866. Bagheri, M., et al. (2019) Investigating the relationship between political socialization and women’s political participation in Ahvaz using structural equation modeling. Journal of Women and Family Cultural-Educational Studies, 14(49), 55–85. Dauletova, V., Hassan, H., & Zainab Hussain, Y. (2022) Political empowerment of women and the mediating role of political awareness: The case of Oman. Journal of International Women’s Studies, 23(1), 115–130. Ghaderzadeh, O., & Rezazadeh, F. (2019) A study of women’s lived experiences and perceptions of participation in civil institutions. Journal of Sociology of Social Institutions, 6(14), 63–96. Hussein, J. M. A., & Jalal, A. (2024) Gendered political empowerment in Iraq: Examining women’s engagement in the post-2003 political landscape. Al-Burhān: Journal of Qurʾān and Sunnah Studies, 8(1), 122–145. Kaston, E. (2022) Structural Challenges to Women’s Political Representation: The Cases of Lebanon and Tunisia (Doctoral dissertation). Mirsharkaran, Y., et al. (2021) Presenting a grounded theory model of women’s political participation in Iran. Women and Family Socio-Legal Research, 9(1), 340–369. Montazeri, M., et al. (2021) Gender analysis of students’ attitudes toward women’s active political participation. Journal of Women’s Socio-Psychological Studies, 19(4), 170–204. Nayeem, N., & Bhat, J. A. (2022) Representation of women in Indian politics. Journal of Psychology and Political Science (JPPS), 2(01), 19–25. Palmer, B., & Simon, D. (2005) Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Women’s Politics and Parliamentary Elections. Translated by Zahra Pishgahifard & Mohammad Zahdigharpour. Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Unit. Raeisi, S., et al. (2023) A study of Baloch women’s political participation with regard to social stratification in the Balochistan region. Women in Development and Politics, 21(1), 83–112. Siamian Gorji, Z., et al. (2021) Qualitative analysis of the impact of socio-cultural and motivational factors on women’s political participation in Tehran. Social Research Scientific Journal, 12(48), 19–39. United Nations Development Programme. (2020) Human Development Perspectives: Tackling Social Norms, A Game Changer for Gender Inequalities. Retrieved July 8, 2021, from <a href="http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hd_perspectives_gsni.pdf">http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hd_perspectives_gsni.pdf</a> Usman, M., Muhammad, R., & Lestari, A. E. (2024) The role of education and skills in increasing women’s participation in population policy. KnE Social Sciences, 65–73. Vaezi, H. S., & Hosseini, A. (2023) Analysis of women’s presence in political positions in the contemporary world and Iran (from the third decade of the 21st century). Women in Development and Politics, 21(1), 165–190. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 27.0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; background: #F8F9FA;"> http://risi.ihss.ac.ir/Article/48592Women’s Participation Political Dimensions Participation Opportunities Participation Threats Grounded Theory. perInstitute of Humanities and Social Studiesپژوهش انحرافات و مسائل اجتماعی3060-821X3060-82282025-03411115131articleSemiotics of Histrionic Personality in Iranian CultureAli Mohammadzadeh A_mohammadzadeh@pnu.ac.ir1somayeh golizadehgolizadeh8285@gmail.com2zahra Heyran Sangestanihairanizahra829@gmail.com3Fatemeh Janmohammadi fatemehjanmohammadi107@gmail.com4Professor, Department of Psychology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.M.A of Science in General Psychology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran. M.A Student of Science in Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Medical Sciences Branch, Tabriz, Iran.Tehran Azad Islamic University of Medical SciencesHistrionic personality, at a clinical level, is characterized by attention-seeking, extroverted, provocative behaviors, coupled with superficial emotions and heightened emotionality. At a social level, this disorder may manifest differently. The present study aimed to investigate the semiotics of histrionic personality within Iranian culture using factor analysis on a large sample of students. This research adopted a correlational design. The study population consisted of students from universities in Tabriz. A sample of 716 students was selected and assessed. Participants completed the Histrionic Personality Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. The results of the principal component analysis yielded a two-factor solution, labeled as "attention-seeking" and "exaggeration/independence." These findings can be interpreted in light of cultural differences between Iranian and American societies in the manifestation of histrionic personality traits.   Keywords: Histrionic Personality, Attention-Seeking, Factor Analysis, Personality Disorder, Culture   Extended Abstract Introduction Personality traits are among the most significant predictors of current and future human behavior, whether normative or exploitative (Hughes et al., 2023; Joshi et al., 2024). One such trait, histrionic personality, is a determinant of the quality of interpersonal interactions at both clinical and non-clinical levels. Clinically, histrionic personality is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as involving attention-seeking, extroverted, provocative behaviors, superficial emotions, and emotional intensity (American Psychiatric Association, 2022, p. 757). These traits typically emerge in early adulthood (Kramer, 2019, p. 325). Limited epidemiological data from general population studies suggest that the prevalence of histrionic personality disorder ranges from 2% to 3% (Knox & Nissan, 2023, p. 100). On one hand, beyond its psychological impact at the individual level, histrionic personality disorder is sociologically linked to various social deviations, including tendencies toward extramarital sexual behavior, divorce, excessive use of heavy makeup and cosmetic surgeries, membership in delinquent groups, and engagement in high-risk behaviors such as substance abuse and reckless driving. On the other hand, cultural factors can influence the expression and characteristics of personality traits (see Gunay-Oge et al., 2023). Ferguson and Negy (2014) explored the primary semiotics of histrionic personality in American culture, concluding that sexual seductiveness and attention-seeking are its two prominent features. This suggests that, despite the recognition of various symptoms, sexual seductiveness and attention-seeking are central factors in diagnosing histrionic personality disorder within American culture. In summary, while histrionic personality disorder is associated with numerous social harms and deviations, and cultural elements play a critical role in shaping personality traits, no study to date has examined the semiotics of histrionic personality in Iranian culture. Therefore, this research aims to identify the primary patterns of histrionic personality within the Iranian cultural context.   Methods This study employed a correlational design. The target population consisted of male and female students from Payame Noor University and Islamic Azad University in Tabriz, enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs during the 2022-2023 academic year. From this population, a sample of 770 participants was selected using stratified random sampling based on Morgan and Cochran’s criteria and assessed. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. The research instrument was Histrionic Personality Questionnaire: developed by Ferguson and Negy (2014, p. 215), this questionnaire comprises 36 items scored on a four-point Likert scale. Ferguson and Negy (2014, p. 215) reported a test-retest reliability of 0.91 and concurrent validity of 0.80 through correlation with the histrionic subscale of the MMPI-2. Its validity in the Iranian context was established by calculating correlations with the Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Questionnaires (which are significantly related to histrionic personality), ranging from 0.73 to 0.78 (see Pazoki & Abolmaali Alhosseini, 2023). In the present study, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire scale was calculated as 0.82.   Findings Based on demographic data, the sample included 445 women and 271 men (totaling 716 participants), making them comparable. To conduct the factor analysis of histrionic personality semiotics in Iranian culture, the assumptions of factor analysis were first examined. These included the normal distribution of scores, linearity, and a sufficient number of correlations above 0.3, all of which were verified to ensure factorability. Subsequently, the suitability of the data for factor analysis was assessed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity. The KMO value (KMO = 0.535) indicated adequate sampling, and Bartlett’s Test (χ² = 1068.04, p < 0.001) was significant, suggesting that the correlation matrix of the data was not zero, thus justifying factor extraction. To determine the factor structure, an exploratory approach (to uncover new response patterns in Iranian culture) was employed, using principal component analysis with Promax rotation. Items were included in a factor if they had a factor loading of 0.3 or higher. In total, 15 factors had eigenvalues greater than 1, collectively explaining 64.66% of the observed variance. A scree plot of eigenvalues and the pattern of factor loadings suggested a two-factor solution, which together accounted for 22.34% of the observed variance in the histrionic personality scale. Consequently, the results identified "attention-seeking" and "exaggeration/independence" as the primary indicators of histrionic personality in Iranian culture. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between age and histrionic personality scores, indicating that these scores decrease with increasing age. Descriptive statistics of histrionic personality scores, based on means and standard deviations, were examined among male and female participants, revealing higher histrionic scores among women compared to men.   Discussion and Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that "attention-seeking" and "exaggeration/independence" are the primary indicators of histrionic personality in Iranian culture. Prior to this study, only one investigation had explored the semiotics of histrionic personality in American culture. The two-factor structure identified here aligns with Ferguson and Negy’s (2014) findings in the American context, where the first factor was seductiveness and the second was attention-seeking, reinforcing the two-dimensional nature of histrionic personality. However, differences exist in the prioritization of identified factors between Iranian and American cultures. In American culture, sexual seductiveness is the primary indicator, followed by attention-seeking, whereas in Iranian culture, attention-seeking takes precedence, with exaggeration alongside independence emerging as a dominant trait. These differences can be explained through the lens of culture’s role in the emergence of psychological disorders (Bhugra et al., 2021, p. 1). Cultural psychiatry is a concept used to describe how culture influences individuals’ well-being, functioning, expression of distress, and approaches to explanation and treatment. The partial alignment of these findings with the American Psychiatric Association’s (2022) criteria also suggests a relative consistency in histrionic personality disorder symptoms, despite cultural variations. Additionally, the study found a negative relationship between histrionic personality scores and age, consistent with research indicating that histrionic personality disorder diminishes with age (Boland et al., 2021, Vol. 2, p. 424). It appears that as affected individuals age, their experiential capacity for emotional regulation improves, potentially reducing the interpersonal challenges associated with this disorder. Given culture’s role in the emergence of personality disorders, there is a recognized need to explore the individual and social pathological correlates of histrionic personality in Iranian society. Accordingly, it is recommended that future research investigate these psychopathological variables within the Iranian context. A limitation of this study, which may have influenced the results, was the lack of access to a clinical sample of individuals diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder. Consequently, the hypotheses could not be tested in a clinical setting. It is thus suggested that future studies enhance the present findings by testing hypotheses at a clinical level.   References Boland, R., Verduin, M., & Ruiz, P. (2021) Kaplan & Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry (Vol. 2). Translated by Rezaei, F., et al. Tehran: Arjmand Publications. Pazoki, M., & Abolmaali Alhosseini, K. (2023) Validation and reliability assessment of the Histrionic Personality Symptoms Questionnaire among students. Journal of Psychological Health Research, 17(1), 61–75. American Psychiatric Association. (2022) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5-TR. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. Bhugra, D., Watson, C., & Wijesuriya, R. (2021) Culture and mental illnesses. International Review of Psychiatry, 33(1–2), 1–2. Hughes, D. J., Adie, J. W., Kratsiotis, I. K., Bartholomew, K. J., Bhakta, R., & Martindale, J. (2023) Dark personality traits and psychological need frustration explain future levels of student satisfaction, engagement, and performance. Learning and Individual Differences, 103, 102273. Joshi, P., Joshi, G., & Singh, A. (2024) Dark personality de facto among students: A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. Personality and Individual Differences, 224, 112651. Knox, L. D., & Nissan, C. D. (2023) Using empathy to prevent burnout treating patients with cluster B personality disorders in psychiatry residency: A case study in context. Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry, 37, 100102. Kramer, U. (2019) Personality, personality disorders, and the process of change. Psychotherapy Research, 29(3), 324–336. Ferguson, C. J., & Negy, C. (2014) Development of a brief screening questionnaire for histrionic personality symptoms. Personality and Individual Differences, 66, 124–127. Gunay-Oge, R., Oshio, A., & Isikli, S. (2023) Culture and individualistic self-construal moderate the relationships between childhood experiences and narcissistic personality psychopathology level in adulthood. Personality and Individual Differences, 201, 111948.         <pre style="text-align: justify; background: #F8F9FA;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; color: #222222; background: white;">Histrionic personality is defined at the clinical level with attention-seeking, extroverted, irritable behaviors, along with superficial emotions and emotionality. At the social level, this disorder may have different manifestations. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the symtomology of <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; color: #222222; background: white;">histrionic personality in Iranian culture using the factor analysis method in a large sample of students. This research is a correlational disign. The statistical population of the present study was the students of the universities of Tabriz city. A sample of 716 students was selected and tested. The participants answered the <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; color: #222222; background: white;">Histrionic Personality Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis method. Based on the results, two factors were extracted in the principal component analysis of the solution, and they were named the attention-seeking and exaggeration/non-dependence factors, respectively. The findings can be explained in line with the cultural differences of Iranian and American society in the manifestation of <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; color: #222222; background: white;">histrionic personality symptoms.</pre>http://risi.ihss.ac.ir/Article/47808Histrionic Personality Attention-Seeking Factor Analysis Personality Disorder Culture.perInstitute of Humanities and Social Studiesپژوهش انحرافات و مسائل اجتماعی3060-821X3060-82282025-03411133159articleIdentifying Discourse Markers of Power and Powerlessness in the Discourse of Iran's Criminal CourtsBahman Gorjianbahgorji@yahoo.com1Elkhas Veysiveysi@pnu.ac.ir2Soraya Sobhaniarmaghan.2007@gmail.com3Associate Professor, Department of English, Abadan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abadan, Iran.Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.Ph.D in Linguistics, Khuzestan Institute of Education, Iran.Forensic linguistics, as an emerging and impactful discipline, plays a crucial role in analyzing written and spoken discourse in court cases and facilitating judicial processes, from investigation and case filing to sentencing. As a branch of applied linguistics, it assists researchers in analyzing the discourse of court actors and uncovering the structure and style of courtroom documentation. The present study examines the conversations between judges and defendants in Iran's criminal courts through the lens of the theory of power and powerlessness (Aghagolzadeh, 2012; Gibbons, 1994, 2003). The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. The primary research question focuses on identifying the frequency of speech patterns of judges and defendants in 29 well-known and prominent cases. The analysis of these patterns in the conversations between judges and defendants, from the perspective of forensic linguistics, constitutes the core of this study. Data were collected from courtroom conversations available on the Aparat platform and transcribed. Qualitative analysis involved calculating the frequency and percentage of discourse components used by judges and defendants, while inferential analysis compared their discourse to detect significant differences using the chi-square statistical test, following the assessment of data reliability and validity. Regarding the variable "power," the findings revealed that among the indicators of power, judges demonstrated a statistically significant difference from defendants in the use of two markers: "use of suggestive sentences, leading and closed questions" and "use of imperative sentences." In the category of powerlessness, defendants showed a significant difference from judges in all indicators except "reference to a source of power." The results of this study can enhance judges' training, both pre-service and in-service, by improving their knowledge of linguistics and discourse analysis.   Keywords: Forensic Linguistics, Power, Courtroom Discourse, Judge, Defendant   Extended Abstract Introduction Forensic linguistics, as an emerging and effective discipline, is instrumental in analyzing written and spoken discourse in court cases and streamlining judicial processes, encompassing stages from investigation and case preparation to verdict issuance. This field, a subset of applied linguistics, aids researchers in dissecting the discourse of courtroom participants and elucidating the structure and style of court documents. Forensic linguistics is a domain of applied linguistics dedicated to the scientific study of language within the judicial system. It seeks to apply linguistic findings to analyze legal discourse. Olsson (2004) identifies "language and courtroom discourse" as a key branch of forensic linguistics, focusing on the relationship between individuals present in the courtroom and the language they employ. A review and critique of recent studies in forensic linguistics and the discourse of power and politeness revealed that the identification of discourse markers of power and powerlessness in the discourse of Iran's criminal courts has not been previously addressed. Discourse markers provide a methodological approach to understanding which markers are used by investigators, judges, lawyers, and defendants, and for what purposes, to succeed in their roles. Analyzing power and powerlessness can assist judicial practitioners in identifying effective verbal strategies and techniques for employing these markers in court. Such awareness also contributes significantly to issues at the intersection of law and linguistics, as well as to the existing literature on courtroom conversation analysis. The concept of power within the courtroom context influences several aspects, such as the mode of discourse communication (written or spoken), the discourse genre (formal or informal), the speech acts employed, and the determination of who initiates or interrupts speech in discourse sequences. Accordingly, a defendant may be required to speak in standard language, respond solely to posed questions, refrain from speaking unless permitted, communicate respectfully, and limit their remarks to the matter at hand. The scarcity of research applying linguistic theories to forensic linguistics, particularly in the courtroom context and on a scale encompassing all criminal courts nationwide, has been a notable gap in conversation analysis. The significance of this study lies in shedding light on the conversations within a societal context (the courtroom) that, due to security and legal constraints, has remained largely inaccessible, deterring researchers from engaging with this field. The primary objectives include uncovering the structure of courtroom conversations and examining how power manifests in the discourse of judges and defendants, with the influence of these structures on the persuasive impact of their speech—as key actors in the judicial process—being discussed and concluded. This study seeks to answer the overarching question: To what extent and with what differences are the markers of power and powerlessness utilized in the conversations of judges and defendants?   Methods The present study analyzes the conversations between judges and defendants in Iran's criminal courts based on the theory of power and powerlessness (Aghagolzadeh, 2012; Gibbons, 2003). The research adopts a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. The central question pertains to identifying the frequency of speech patterns of judges and defendants in 29 well-known and prominent cases. The analysis of these patterns in their conversations, from the perspective of forensic linguistics, forms the focus of this study. Data were gathered from courtroom conversations available on the Aparat platform and transcribed. Qualitative analysis entailed calculating the frequency and percentage of discourse components used by judges and defendants, while inferential analysis involved comparing their discourse to identify significant differences using the chi-square statistical test, conducted after assessing the reliability and validity of the data.   Conclusion In the context of courtroom discourse, when one party leverages conversation as a tool for asserting social and political dominance, they gain greater authority to speak and employ linguistic strategies and tools. Although some scholars argue that power is an unstable and transient phenomenon, defendants in the courtroom context, regardless of their level of authority, lack the ability to control verbal events, choose topics, or shift the direction of discourse. Thus, they consistently remain subordinate to power in this setting. The findings of this study can strengthen judges' supervisory role in courtroom interactions and conversations among litigants and other participants in these proceedings, making their oversight more robust and precise. Drawing on Gibbons’ and Aghagolzadeh’s perspectives on linguistic markers of power and powerlessness, asymmetrical power relations are clearly observable in courtrooms. Throughout the conversations analyzed in this study, the power dynamic is evident in the unidirectional question-and-answer sequences initiated by judges. According to Gibbons, one method of exerting power in judicial settings is through questioning techniques that steer defendants toward responses desired by judges. The defendants’ predominant use of powerlessness markers, contrasted with judges’ minimal reliance on these indicators, further corroborates the assertion that judges exercise power within courtroom discourse. Regarding the variable "power," the results indicated that among the markers of power, judges exhibited a statistically significant difference from defendants in two indicators: "use of suggestive sentences, leading and closed questions" and "use of imperative sentences." In the category of powerlessness, defendants demonstrated a significant difference from judges in all indicators except "reference to a source of power." The findings of this study can enhance judges’ pre-service and in-service training by deepening their understanding of linguistics and discourse analysis. References Aghagolzadeh, F. (2012) Forensic Linguistics: Theoretical and Applied, 2nd ed. Tehran: Elm Publication. Gibbons, J. (2003) Forensic Linguistics: An Introduction to Language in the Justice System. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.    http://risi.ihss.ac.ir/Article/47212Forensic Linguistics Power Courtroom Discourse Judge Defendant.