Sociological Study of Women's Activism in Urban Spaces of Tehran

In this study, it was sought to achieve a typology related to women's activism in urban spaces of Tehran using a qualitative approach with the phenomenological strategy. Data was collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews and field observations. Purposive sampling with maximum dispersion was utilized. The sample consisted of 30 women living in Tehran who were interviewed by visiting several crowded points in the north, south, east and west side of Tehran. Data was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. According to the results, women's activism in the spaces of Tehran were classified into economic, social, cultural, sports and leisure activism and dramatic and abnormal activism. Women's activism in each of these areas varied according to their social, economic, and cultural status and capital. Results suggested that the existing structure in urban spaces of Tehran has caused women to be creative and active in some areas, such as leisure activities as well as in relation to the type of clothing and behavior in urban spaces despite the pressures and restrictions. Also women's activism is passive and more in line with the existing structure of some areas like economic domains. However, increasing women's presence in various domains of urban spaces can be the basis for many changes and transformations, which demands structural and cultural changes and changing attitudes towards the status of women, recognition of their capabilities and giving attention to their needs and desires in urban spaces of Tehran, also creating conditions for healthy employment and women's active and creative activism in various spaces of Tehran.