Discourse Analysis of Family Models in Contemporary Iranian Society with an emphasis on Spouse Selection

Abstract

The present research, in an attempt to represent and interpret the family models present in Iranian society regarding spouse selection, has reviewed and classified data from in-depth interviews, which were the outcome of the interpretation of the lived experience of young female activists residing in the city of Qum. Using the discourse analysis method and theoretical framework of interpretive sociology, including David Cheal's discourse theory and social structure theory, the following five family models were represented as being family models within contemporary Iranian society: "postmodernist family," "modernist family," "transitional family," "traditional family," and "Islamic family". According to the findings, it was concluded that each of the family models is the outcome of a diverse phenomenon, has emerged in line with the social and cultural developments within society and contains open (aligned with the political authority) and closed (opposed to the political authority) discourses. These results also showed that despite the positive aspects that are contained within the models, they also are confronted with certain negative and detrimental aspects. However, the Islamic family model has potential features and advantages that may allow it to be considered the most suitable model for society.