Qualitative Analysis of Structural Contexts and Individual Capabilities Related to Divorce Process in Yasuj

A divorce is a stressful event with long–term detrimental effects on public health. The number of divorces in the country is increasing every day. Moreover, if society moves towards increasing divorce, it will surely verge a crisis. Kohgiluyeh and Boyer–Ahmad Provinces ranked 28th in the country concerning divorce rates in 1991, ranking fourth in 1995. Yasuj is mainly traditional, and the effects of divorce can be more pronounced and damaging in this city. Furthermore, the literature review indicates that scholars have not qualitatively examined the structural features and individual capabilities associated with the divorce process between couples and from the viewpoint of both spouses. The present study attempted to investigate this phenomenon from the perspective of both couples involved. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine the structural backgrounds and individual capabilities related to the divorce process in Yasuj City, Iran, and explain the impact of structural and individual disabilities on this process.

The present study employed a qualitative approach and grounded theory method. The study participants included individuals referring to the family court of Yasouj for divorce. Using the purposive sampling method, sampling was performed with maximum variety. The data collection technique was the in–depth interview, i.e., conducted in 3 stages open dialogue, semi–structured interview, and focus groups. The average duration of each interview was between 40 and 50 minutes, i.e., conducted from June 10, 2016, to August 15, 2016. An in–depth interview was conducted with 16 individuals, including 6 couples and 4 women applicants for divorce, who referred to the family court of Yasouj, based on the theoretical theory of the field. The thematic analysis unit is a sentence, and the three–step coding method of open, axial, and selective coding was used to analyze the obtained data. Professional professors were used. The study participants were requested to rate the final research report. In addition, the validity of the analysis was monitored by long and continuous negotiations between the student and the professor, professors specializing in this field in all stages of coding, conceptualization, and obtaining categories of work.

Based on the thematic analysis of the interviews, 9 categories related to the divorce process included unexpected physical and mental injuries, inappropriate methods of choosing a spouse, differences in family backgrounds before and after marriage, inappropriate quality of marital relations, economic challenges, abnormal behaviors of the spouse, the traditional context governing the community of the place of residence, the expansion of consensual divorce and the abuse of legal loopholes, and the vague and contradictory assessment of divorce. The following central categories were classified as structural–historical contexts of the couple's habitat and individual disabilities. Structurally, the main factor associated with a divorce petition was the persistence of traditional beliefs and expectations in the context of modern society and the scarcity of resources, and the couple's economic potential for independent living. Furthermore, more men than women described divorce as "liberating"; most women who lacked the necessary financial resources and literacy, and had no personal or family support, equated such a divorce. They have ruined their lives and caused their misery.

Based on the research findings, the couple's structural backgrounds and biopsychosocial disabilities have helped to increase the odds of divorce in divorce applicants in Yasuj.