دکتر نادر مطیع حق شناس

Environmental injustice occurs when a group of people, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, are more exposed to environmental risks and hazards than others, such as pollution, climate change, and natural disasters. In addition to affecting their health, livelihood, and quality of life, this is, according to an interpretation by Solomonian and Ragiro, a product of flawed systems and processes that cause social injustice, such as exploitation, oppression, and elite dominance, in a vicious circle. It affects the environment, biodiversity, and ecosystem services (Solomonian and Ruggiero, 2021). Also, solutions such as improving adaptation and flexibility against the effects of climate change cause social inequalities in turn (Ku, 2021). In recent years, to resolve such conflicts between the urban environment and social justice, a concept with the term "fair urban environment" has been formed, which refers to the fair distribution of environmental resources and opportunities among city residents (Chiarini et al, 2021; Arisyowati et al, 2023; Tsigdinos et al, 2023; Yang et al, 2020; Vázquez et al, 2023; Zhu et al, 2023; Gerike et al, 2022). A review of the existing theoretical literature in the field of fair urban environment shows that although this category is considered from different perspectives, including public access to green spaces (Aristyowati et al, 2023; Yang et al, 2020; Vázquez et al, 2023; Zhu et al, 2023 ), air quality and urban transport (Chiarini et al, 2021; Gerike et al, 2022; Tsigdinos et al, 2023), the impact of climate change (Bayón et al, 2023; Fiack et al, 2021; Ku et al, 2021), Health and well-being status (Shamasunder et al, 2022; Branis et al, 2012; Jennings et al, 2016; Jephcote et al, 2013; Kamel et al, 2014; Morelli et al, 2019; Romero et al, 2013; Shamasunder et al, 2023; Solomonian et al, 2021; Yang et al, 2022), and social participation (Buechler et al, 2020; Cohen et al, 2012; Cutts et al, 2009; D'Souza, 2019; De Jeude et al, 2016 ) has been studied, but still, there are no uniform and specific criteria for its definition and evaluation. This makes the results of different studies in this field not comparable and a comprehensive and critical view of the current situation is not obtained. Considering the importance and challenges in this field, the main question of this research is how to relate social justice and the quality of the urban environment to the conceptual explanation of the fair urban environment. Urbanization researchers will also be shown

Meta-analysis is a method that is used to study various methods and achievements of previous research focused on a specific topic to achieve a summary of theoretical perspectives and study dimensions and possible gaps in that field. The meta-analysis method can lead the researcher to an evaluative framework for use in the field of study and provide the necessary background for expanding concepts and theories or completing previous methods and discovering research interests (Higgins & Green, 2011). In this method, first, a sufficient statistical population of valid previous research is searched and collected by a precise and repeatable algorithm, and then the separate and combined content analysis is performed using appropriate analytical tools (Borenstein et al, 2020; Ioannidis, 2017). In this research, the same method has been used using CMA 3.7 software and the version equipped with Python scripts. In this regard, the keywords of social justice and quality of the urban environment were searched separately in the title section of the Science Direct database between 1990 and 2023, and the result was 4955 and 5000 scientific and research articles, respectively. Then, the combined keyword "social justice and quality of urban environment" was searched in the mentioned period in the Elsevier/Science Direct scientific database as a title, which after review and refinement, The primary statistical and analytical data of 58 fully related articles that dealt with both topics were selected.

Several key challenges obstruct research on the relationship between social justice and urban environmental quality. Firstly, the complexity and uncertainty of environmental problems and solutions pose a challenge. Environmental issues and social justice are often viewed concerning multiple intertwined factors and actors, including trade-offs and conflicts between different goals and interests, complicating the definition, measurement, and comprehensive and coherent addressing of problems and solutions. Secondly, there is a lack of participation and comprehensive representation of affected communities and stakeholders. Research often relies on dominant epistemologies and methodologies, potentially excluding or marginalizing the voices and perspectives of those most affected by environmental problems and solutions, leading to potentially biased or incomplete knowledge and results. Thirdly, the persistence of structural racism and colonialism exacerbates the distribution of benefits and environmental pressures. The literature has grappled with the challenge of transforming historical and institutional factors that have created and perpetuated environmental and social inequalities among different groups and regions of the world. These factors often operate on multiple levels and dimensions and are embedded in the values and narratives of the dominant culture, making analytical studies difficult and costly. Lastly, the dominance of economic growth and consumerism as the main drivers of environmental destruction and social injustice presents a challenge. The literature has grappled with the challenge of conflicting paradigms and choosing alternative paths, resulting in the examination of the concept of social justice without relying on the logic and mechanisms of economic growth and consumerism. This perspective may necessitate fundamental changes in production and consumption patterns, as well as the distribution and allocation of resources and responsibilities between nations and generations. However, the existence of a robust and specific theoretical framework is a prerequisite. The concept of a fair urban environment, as per the research, is synonymous with achieving social justice in the urban milieu. This involves equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals in environmental decisions impacting their lives, acknowledging the rights and values of non-human nature, and recognizing the interdependence of all living beings. Opportunities to realize a fair urban environment, as identified in the literature, include the emergence of new frameworks and paradigms that challenge existing norms and propose alternative paths to enhance social justice. These include concepts like degrowth and decolonization of natural resources, which aim to regulate the exploitation of natural resources and promote equitable benefits among diverse societal groups.

An urban environment, a man-made setting, comprises basic physical and social aspects where individuals live, work, interact, and avail services such as parks, green spaces, urban transportation, amenities, and cultural events. A fair urban environment, therefore, offers opportunities and equitable access to all residents, irrespective of income, gender, ethnicity, age, or physical ability. This concept and approach are crucial as they promote social justice and human rights by ensuring everyone can enjoy a decent quality of life and participate in the city's civic and cultural life. They bolster economic development and innovation by attracting and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, drawing talents and investment, and enhancing productivity and competitiveness. They heighten public environmental awareness, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, improvement in air quality, preservation of natural resources and biological species, adaptation to climate changes, and provision of environmental flexibility. They advocate public health by providing opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and social interaction, thereby improving public health and well-being. They offer a realistic approach, moving away from idealism, which is necessary in the current idealized world for the present and future of cities and their residents. The research findings reveal several critical points for researchers and decision-makers in the field of a fair urban environment. Firstly, the category of a fair urban environment cannot be considered separately from the theoretical and practical issues of social justice, as these two concepts mutually influence each other. Secondly, a fair urban environment requires an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach that utilizes the knowledge and experience of local and affected communities and listens to their voices. Thirdly, a fair urban environment necessitates a change in the systems and structures formed based on the values of exploitation, commodification, and domination, which produce ecological and social crises. Fourthly, a fair urban environment presents an opportunity to effect positive changes at the local and global levels, leading to the improvement of human well-being and nature protection. Despite the strengths and applications of this research, it has limitations. Among other things, due to the focus on the meta-analysis method, only written and existing sources have been used. Also, to validate the findings, a case study and adaptation of the findings based on the local context are needed, which expands the research topic. Further research using various methods and different case studies in this field can offer comprehensive solutions to realize a fair urban environment.

In recent years, the changes and transformations in the number and structure of Iran's population have been noticed more than before. In the meantime, changes in fertility and childbearing have been perhaps the most important indicators affecting the number and structure of the population. The main goal of this study is to predict the population of Iran in the horizon of 1430.The research method of this study is secondary analysis and the use of data from the Statistics Center of Iran (SCI) and the use of component projection technique. This study tried to predict the population of Iran in the horizon of 1430 based on the population forecast of the country (1395-1430) conducted by the country's population research institute and using its estimated population in 1403 by age and sex. The results showed that if the target setting according to the law of population youth and family support as well as the 7th development plan, the fertility rate increases to 2.5 children per woman by the end of the plan (year 1407) and stabilizes (1408-1430), the population growth rate until the end of the program (1407) slowly increased and after stabilization with a decrease in population growth. We will meet on the horizon at 1430. In this scenario, the population will increase to about 105 million people in 1430. The number of births will also follow the same previous process. The second scenario, if we stabilize the fertility rate at 1.61 children per woman until 1430, the rate of population growth will decrease until the end of the 7th plan, and the decreasing trend will continue until 1420, and from 1425 to the horizon of 1430, the population growth rate will be negative and the relative share of the elderly population aged 60 and over will reach to 17 percent. In this assumption, after the remarkable increase in the population size from 84.920 thousand people to 91 million people in 1425, after that we will face a relative decrease in the population so that the population will reach 90.64 million people in 1430. The most likely scenario that can more realistically show the changes in the country's population in the 30-year horizon is the second scenario, but taking into account the scope of population growth that is desirable for the optimal economic growth of the country, it is suggested to try to realize the demographic changes of the first scenario. The finding of this research is consistent with the results of the population projection at the national level which conducted by the Iranian Statistics Center. Achieving the fertility level required to reach a population of 150 million people in the short term is not possible due to the existing conditions and the pace of slow and gradual changes in the population growth rate and total fertility rate. The global experience of fertility changes also confirms the results.

One of the most important factors shaping the dietary pattern of a community is the set of habits, food culture, and the nutrition of its people, so the food security of households and planning to ensure healthy nutrition are among the most fundamental concerns of today's societies. However, rising urbanization, growing work responsibilities of women, and the prevalence of fast and pre-cooked foods have led to the formation of the nutritional transition phenomenon (the transition from healthy to unhealthy or undesirable nutritional patterns and behaviors). In this regard, the present research aims to explore the determinants of undesirable dietary behaviors in Iran. For this purpose, a meta-analysis research method has been employed. The statistical population consists of studies conducted on undesirable dietary behaviors and habits in Iran in the period from 2007 to 2020. After designing specific stages (search, screening, eligibility, and inclusion), sampling was conducted, and a total of 25 studies were selected as the final sample. For post-coding data analysis, the comprehensive meta-analysis software (CMA2) was used. The prevalence of fast and ready-to-eat food patterns has led to the phenomenon of nutritional transition (the shift from healthy dietary patterns and behaviors to unhealthy or undesirable ones. The research findings suggest that variables that wield the highest effect on undesirable nutritional habits and behaviors in Iran are: cultural factors (media advertising, body awareness and attitudes, religiosity, media usage), economic factors (socio-economic status and economic capital), demographic factors (age, place of residence, marital status, level of education, sex), and social factors (social capital and social support). In the components of cultural factors, media advertising (0.541), in economic factors, socioeconomic status (-0.314), in demographic factors, age (-0.224), and in social factors, social capital (-0.280) exert the highest impact on undesirable dietary patterns and behaviors.

Studies have shown that that a range of economic, social, and cultural factors determine women's involvement in the workforce. These factors change at varying paces—some gradually over time and others quickly in response to economic and social policy shifts. The primary objective of this study is to identify the reasons and underlying factors for the relatively low rate of economic participation of Iranian women in comparison to other nations.

Methods and Data: 

This research was conducted using exploratory analysis and a comparative approach, employing an evidence-based systematic review technique. To comprehend the causes, contexts, and foundations of women's low economic participation rate in Iran's labor market, this study analyzed the demographic, economic, and social dimensions.

The findings reveal that a combination of social and cultural factors are responsible for the low participation of women in country's development and their reduced share in Iran's labor market. The small scale of the economy and underrepresentation of women's informal work have also played a significant role. The Influential factors such as the population structure’s impact on the labor market, increased demand for higher education opportunities, and the subsequent raised demand by university graduates to enter the workforce, created a disconnect between the education system and the women's labor market. This disconnect is partly due to developmental pressures and dominant culture and traditions.  Additionally, the unclear link between employment and fertility, job segregation, and limited opportunities for job variety and advancement in upper management for women are key socio-economic and demographic challenges.

To address the barriers to women's employment and underscore their vital role in societal development, it is essential to shift societal culture. There is a need for a commitment to reform that eases women's integration into the development process, reducing the time and material costs of women's employment, and balance work with family life through the adoption of family-friendly policies.

Household food and food security are important issues that require policy attention and intervention. This research aims to examine trends in household food expenses in Gilan province with the national average and to explore their social and policy implications for household food and food security.

The study used secondary analysis of data obtained from Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Statistical Center of Iran. Bivariate and multivariate analysis performed to compare two periods of 2005-2013 and 2013-2020 which correspond to two presidential administrations in Iran. We also compared the food expenses of households in Gilan province with those of the whole country for each period to show how household food expenses changed over these periods. 

The findings showed that the average cost of domestic food in Gilan province and nationally was significantly lower in the second period than in the first period. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the average cost of domestic food in Gilan province and nationally in the first period. The results indicated that period had a significant impact on the cost of food inside and outside the home.

The share of food cost in the total cost of households in Gilan province was higher than that of the whole country during 2005-2020. The ability to buy food outside the home among Gilan households declined during 2012-2019, consistent with the national pattern. The period variable affected the cost changes of households in Gilan province.

Key Message: 

To ensure a good quality of life for households, it is necessary to allocate subsidies on essential goods and control the price level, especially for food items. This demands the cooperation and support of relevant institutions and organizations and the effective implementation of policies.

Throughout the history, food and its supply has been the most important concern of human beings. It is obvious that the food system of any country is affected by the cultural, economic and social policies in which the states have a direct influence. The aim of this article is to conduct a qualitative study of the state policies and their effects on the changes in food consumption patterns among the households in Rasht city. It is conducted by a qualitative method and phenomenological approach and the data were collected through an in-depth interview and observation. The sampling method was purposeful and 21 citizens of Rasht city were interviewed. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using MAXQDA software. The findings show that the negative consequences of state policies in the 2000s and 2010s dominated the positive consequences. Although the economic and social policies caused many problems for the people with different levels, they also led people towards the optimal economic consumption of the goods. Investigations of the changes occurred in the food consumption pattern among the Rasht citizens show that the categories of demographic and cultural structure, lifestyle change, self distinguishing, the availability of food centers, and the media play a key role in the tendency of citizens towards eating outside. On the other hand, the financial challenges and economic capacity, relatively high food security and adherence to the traditional culture are the reasons tending people towards having the traditional foods.

With the development of technology globally, a new era of job opportunities based on information technology has been created and has posed challenges to the labor market. It is important to know these developments scientifically and politically. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the transformation of jobs based on information technology in the country. 

Methods and Data:

 In addition to using existing data sources such as national census data, the present paper also used documentary-analytical methods and structured interview techniques. 

The findings of the study showed that following the wide wave of changes in IT-based jobs in different countries of the world, our country has experienced significant changes in this field in the last two decades. Teleworking, the existence of new startups of Digi Kala and Snapp are examples of this transition in Iran. The study of changes in the classification structure of jobs based on information technology in 2016 compared to 1996 shows that in the main group of specialists, 9 job titles and in the main group of technicians and assistant specialists, 12 job titles have been added to the group of units. 

The effect and pace of change in IT-based jobs in the country has been significant and noticeable. Studying the driving factors and measuring the realization of the predicted turning points in the field of transformation of IT-based jobs in Iran, especially in the provinces for the next five years are the research recommendations. 

 Key Message: 

The use of information technology in the government, business, international and domestic exchanges parts have caused fundamental changes in the national economy. Accelerating the path of transformations and updating new technologies in the field of occopations and joining the global economy is the most important policy message of paper.

Gaining accurate knowledge of the level and trend of the relative share of the population aged 17-27 years old in the last 15 years old (2006-2021) and predicting the future image of social demand for higher education in this age group until 1415 based on different scenarios.

To estimate the future demand for higher education, the participation rate was estimated with Dator's Four Generic Scenario Archetypes methods.

The results showed that the participation rate increased with a very gentle slope in the stability scenario. The increase in the demand for entrance exams in this scenario is more affected by the increase in the exposed population. In the fluctuation scenario, the assumptions of the decline scenario are less intense, leading to a decrease in the participation rate around 2030, but with proper policy-making and change in the employment situation and the industry's structure over time from 2031, the participation rate increases slightly.

The demand for higher education will vary from about one million people in the worst case to about 2.4 million people in ideal economic and social conditions for 2036.

Women's employment has always been discussed in various dimensions. The creation of paradox in the field of women's employment has raised questions among thinkers in the economic, social, moral, and religious spheres. The argument of this article is to see what is Islam's approach to women's employment? What are the obstacles and challenges facing the issue of women's employment in an Islamic society? This research has tried to analyze the economic and living conditions of women by documenting the systematic and exploratory study by reviewing the systematic studies conducted in this field and the theoretical considerations taken from the Islamic point of view, emphasizing its adaptation to the original religious teachings in Islamic Iran. Pay attention to the main purpose. The findings show that although Islam has given women the principle of economic independence, women are both the owners of their labor and production and have no responsibility for the family's economy, but in the context of handing over labor to women in Islam, the interests of society, the family It also takes into account individual circumstances and issues, which create limitations for women's work. Certificates of cognitive population show that women's economic participation has increased from 12.93 percent in the 1976 census to 16 percent in the 2016 census, indicating a change in the participation of women in the Islamic economy, a change in their personal and social identities. An increase in the number of female graduates, women’s employment in different economic sectors and increase in women's activity in management sectors compared to previous decades indicate a significant growth. However, the lack of equal opportunities in favor to men to find jobs, lower wages than men and the unemployment rate of women, especially in higher education, the existence of some social and cultural restrictions on women's employment, attitudes and misconceptions. Compared to the competence of women in various jobs, the expansion of gender inequality in access to resources and the consequent increase in harm due to the lack of readiness and recognition of society are the main concern and challenge of women's employment in the Islamic Republic of Iran.