Social Problems of Iran

Divorce: A Bitter Experience of Deprivation and Separation or a Window Toward Liberation? An Analysis of the Lived Experiences of Divorced Women in Rasht

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Nasrin Mohammadzadeh 1
Rea Masoumirad 2
Hoda Hallajadeh 2

1 M.A. in Sociology, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

10.22034/jspi.2026.11092
Abstract
Divorce has always been considered as a social problem, while with the emergence of new forms of family ties and ruptures, as well as its increasing trend, it requires a new attention and understanding based on the direct experience of divorced women. This study was conducted to examine the lived experiences of divorced women in Rasht in identifying the underlying conditions, reasons, and dealing with the consequences of divorce. The study was conducted with a qualitative approach and based on grounded theory. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 divorced women and continued using purposive sampling and snowball method until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted based on open, axial and selective coding. Findings showed that background conditions such as cultural differences, economic weakness, low age of marriage and insufficient knowledge before marriage provided the basis for marital conflicts, while experience of domestic violence, addiction, sexual problems and infidelity and family interference played a role in intensifying the divorce process. However, it was found that the acceptance of divorce and its easier passage are the result of a combination of changing social attitudes and new approaches to life and maintaining individual independence. These factors lead to a reduction in the social stigma of divorce and an increase in its acceptance in society, and allow women, especially working women without children, to view divorce as an opportunity for independence and a redefinition of life and an experience of freedom from traditional constraints in family matters.

Keywords

Divorce
lived experiences
divorced women
cultural and social factors
liberation
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  • Receive Date 07 March 2026
  • Revise Date 11 April 2026
  • Accept Date 20 May 2026
  • First Publish Date 22 June 2026