Department of of Social Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
10.22098/jfrs.2025.18386.1263
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to explore the social construction of the meaning of family from the perspective of Living Apart Together (LAT) couples in the Iranian context.
Methods
The research participants included LATs, and 20 of them were interviewed using the purposeful sampling method. The current research was carried out by applying the qualitative method and using the interview technique (intensive, and investigative) to collect information until reaching theoretical saturation. constructivist grounded theory of Kathy Charmaz (2014) and Software NVivo10 were used to extract and analyze the findings.
Results
Data analysis generated 39 initial codes, 5 focused codes, and one theoretical code: the permanence of the Iranian family and traditions. From the participants’ viewpoints, five major themes emerged regarding family: (1) family as a safe nest and heaven, (2) family as a sacred and valuable institution, (3) family as a supporter and advocate, (4) family as a bond and knot, and (5) family as the preservation of traditions.
Conclusions
The findings reveal that LATs construct family as an enduring, supportive, and tradition-preserving institution. Despite societal developments and the emergence of new family forms, the permanence and importance of the family and traditions remain central in the participants’ perspectives.
mohammadzadeh, H. , kanani, M. A. , Mousavi, S. H. and Yaghoobi, A. (2025). The Social Construction of the Meaning of Family in Iran: A Qualitative Study among LATs. Journal of Family Relations Studies, (), -. doi: 10.22098/jfrs.2025.18386.1263
MLA
mohammadzadeh, H. , , kanani, M. A. , , Mousavi, S. H. , and Yaghoobi, A. . "The Social Construction of the Meaning of Family in Iran: A Qualitative Study among LATs", Journal of Family Relations Studies, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.22098/jfrs.2025.18386.1263
HARVARD
mohammadzadeh, H., kanani, M. A., Mousavi, S. H., Yaghoobi, A. (2025). 'The Social Construction of the Meaning of Family in Iran: A Qualitative Study among LATs', Journal of Family Relations Studies, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22098/jfrs.2025.18386.1263
CHICAGO
H. mohammadzadeh , M. A. kanani , S. H. Mousavi and A. Yaghoobi, "The Social Construction of the Meaning of Family in Iran: A Qualitative Study among LATs," Journal of Family Relations Studies, (2025): -, doi: 10.22098/jfrs.2025.18386.1263
VANCOUVER
mohammadzadeh, H., kanani, M. A., Mousavi, S. H., Yaghoobi, A. The Social Construction of the Meaning of Family in Iran: A Qualitative Study among LATs. Journal of Family Relations Studies, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.22098/jfrs.2025.18386.1263
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