Explaining the Economic and Political Factors Affecting the Security of Iranian Families: A Case Study of Tehran

Abstract

This study aimed to provide a sociological explanation of the role of economic and political factors in the security of Iranian families in Tehran. This study employed a mixed-methods quantitative–qualitative design. In the quantitative phase, the population consisted of Tehran residents aged 18 years and older, from whom 402 participants were selected through multistage stratified-cluster sampling. Data were collected using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire, whose face and construct validity and internal consistency were assessed. Quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and analysis of variance. In the qualitative phase, 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in family and social issues using purposive sampling until theoretical saturation. Interview data were transcribed, coded, categorized, and analyzed through thematic/content analysis. ANOVA indicated significant differences in physical, financial, intellectual, and identity-related family security across income groups (all p<0.001). Occupational status was also significantly associated with physical (F=11.928), financial (F=11.451), intellectual (F=20.270), and identity security (F=14.456; all p<0.001). Educational differences were non-significant for physical (F=1.102, p=0.333), financial (F=1.453, p=0.235), and intellectual security (F=0.889, p=0.412), but were significant for identity security (F=12.774, p<0.001). Hope for the future was positively correlated with family security (r=0.60, p<0.001), whereas political factors showed no significant direct correlation with family security (r=-0.01, p=0.838). Qualitative findings identified rising living costs, housing problems, and unemployment as major economic themes, while governance challenges and unfavorable perceptions of societal conditions emerged as key political themes. Family security in Tehran is a multidimensional phenomenon that is more clearly associated with economic conditions, particularly income, occupational status, and hope for the future. Although political factors showed no statistically significant direct association with family security, qualitative evidence suggests that governance and broader institutional and societal conditions remain relevant contextual influences on perceived family security.