The Economic Status of Female Heads of Households covered by supportive institutions: Qualitative study in City of Shiraz

In this article, the economic status of female heads of households and their way of dealing with these conditions are analyzed using qualitative method and grounded theory approach. For this purpose, 40 female headed households were selected by purposeful and theoretical sampling at the Consultative Center of Welfare Organization and Imam Khomeini Emdad Committee of City of Shiraz. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using field theory (open, axial, and selective coding). According to the paradigmatic model obtained in this study, female households are in short supply in terms of access to housing, suitable employment, education, health, and even food security. Physical disabilities, family limitation for work, family nursing and renting have been identified as a prerequisite for creating an insecure family environment for women.   Employer's distrust, wage discrimination, insecurity in the workplace, and the difficulties in combining work and family as intervening conditions have created an unsafe family environment for women. The strategy of women's actions in dealing with such conditions is the limitation of the network of social relations, the dropout and occupation, the saving of resources and goods, and renunciation of many demands and needs The consequence of the continuation of this cycle of disability and deprivation is the reproduction of a variety of diseases and disabilities, malnutrition, marginalization and, finally, a sense of despair and helplessness. Based on this study, it is suggested to increase job opportunities and eliminate social barriers to women's employment, empowerment of women headed households and their children.