Sociological Cultural Studies

Sociological Cultural Studies

Developments of family welfare centers: from goals to realities in Iran (1357-1345)

Document Type : .

Authors
mohsen parvish
farhad pourinejad
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran
10.30465/scs.2024.50115.2918
Abstract
Introduction:
During the second Pahlavi era, the Women's Organization of Iran was established with the primary objective of empowering and educating women in the country. It aimed to enhance their cultural, social, and economic knowledge, as well as raise awareness about their rights within the family and their roles in society. However, as time passed, the organization underwent a transformation and became a state-controlled institution with totalitarian tendencies. It sought to dissolve independent women's institutions and assimilate them into its own structure.Despite this transformation, the Women's Organization of Iran expanded its reach beyond Tehran by establishing branches in provinces and cities. These branches were crucial in establishing direct communication with women across the country and providing them with various services. One notable initiative undertaken by the organization during this period was the establishment of family welfare centers.The family welfare centers aimed to address the needs and challenges faced by families, particularly women, in areas such as family counseling, legal assistance, family planning, and family health. These centers played a significant role in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for families in Iran.It is important to note that while the Women's Organization of Iran initially had noble objectives, its transformation into a state-controlled institution raises questions about its effectiveness and independence in advocating for women's rights. The rejection of integration requests from other women's organizations, such as the Women Lawyers' Union, further highlights the centralized and authoritarian nature of the Women's Organization during this period
Materials & Methods
This research employs a descriptive-analytical method. The article begins by providing a description of the main objective of establishing the Women's Organization of Iran, its historical background, and the changes that occurred within the organization over time. It then offers a detailed explanation of the family welfare centers and their various units. The results are obtained through an analysis of the performance and activities of the family welfare centers during the second Pahlavi era. The descriptive aspect of the research involves providing a comprehensive overview of the Women's Organization of Iran and its evolution, while the analytical aspect involves examining the effectiveness and impact of the family welfare centers in addressing the needs of women and families in Iran. Data for the analysis are collected from various sources, including official documents, reports, and scholarly articles. The findings of the research shed light on the role and significance of the Women's Organization of Iran and its family welfare centers in promoting the well-being and empowerment of women during the second Pahlavi era.
Discussion & Result
The establishment of family welfare centers within the Women's Organization of Iran during the second Pahlavi era served multiple purposes. Firstly, these centers aimed to provide social education to individuals and families, with a particular focus on women. By offering services such as family counseling, legal assistance, family planning, and family health, the centers sought to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate various challenges within the family unit and society.One of the key objectives of the family welfare centers was to enhance women's awareness of their rights. By providing legal assistance and counseling services, the centers aimed to empower women and enable them to assert their rights within the family and society. This emphasis on women's rights aligns with the broader goals of the Women's Organization of Iran in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.Additionally, the establishment of family welfare centers was also driven by the desire to align families with the country's economic progress. By offering services related to family planning and economic independence, the centers aimed to support families in achieving financial stability and contributing to the overall development of the nation.Overall, the discussion highlights that the family welfare centers within the Women's Organization of Iran played a crucial role in providing social education, promoting women's rights, and supporting families in Iran. These centers served as important platforms for addressing various family-related issues and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Conclusion
The research findings highlight that the Women's Organization of Iran, during the second Pahlavi era, played a significant role in promoting women's rights and empowering them. The organization focused on raising awareness among women about their rights and encouraging self-awareness and economic independence. The establishment of family welfare centers with diverse units was a key initiative undertaken by the Women's Organization to address the needs of families and improve their overall well-being.The family welfare centers provided a range of services aimed at supporting families, particularly women. These services included family counseling, legal assistance, family planning, and family health. By offering these services, the Women's Organization aimed to enhance the quality of life for families and contribute to their overall welfareThe research findings suggest that the family welfare centers operated under the umbrella of the Women's Organization and were instrumental in providing essential support and resources to women and families. These centers served as a platform for addressing various family-related issues and promoting the well-being of individuals within the family unit.Overall, the findings indicate that the Women's Organization of Iran, through the establishment of family welfare centers, made significant efforts to improve the lives of women and families during the second Pahlavi era. These initiatives aimed to empower women, enhance their knowledge and skills, and provide them with the necessary support to navigate various challenges within the family and society.
Keywords
Women'
s organization
family welfare centers
structure
achievements
challenges
Subjects
آرشیو سازمان اسناد و کتابخانه ملی ایران (ساکما): 529/275؛ 2204/275؛29795/230؛ 53814/293؛ 1224/275؛ ،1223/275؛ 533/275؛62382/230؛ 8539/220؛8539/220؛ 7407/220؛ 20662/220؛ 13493/230؛ 19727/220؛ 2027/25/311؛ 2452/220 ؛ 4086/290؛  29795/230 ؛ ،740/275؛ 2701/350؛ 19727/220؛ 19727/220؛ 768/275؛ 768/275؛ 13493/220؛ 713/275؛ 713/275؛ 649/275؛8539/220؛  19560/220 8539/220؛ 19560/220
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Sociological Cultural Studies
Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 59
Spring 2026
Spring 2026
Pages 39-75

  • Receive Date 29 September 2024
  • Revise Date 26 December 2024
  • Accept Date 27 December 2024
  • Publish Date 22 May 2026