Sociological and Moral Dimensions Influencing Sexual Harassment of Women in Golestan Province

Introduction: Interpersonal violence, whether sexual or non-sexual, remains a major problem in large parts of the world. Sexual violence against women entails long-term psychological and social consequences. Accordingly, the present study was conducted with the aim of examining the moral and sociological dimensions influencing sexual harassment of women in Golestan Province. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted using a qualitative approach and grounded theory methodology. The statistical population consisted of women residing in the city of Gonbad in eastern Golestan Province who had experienced sexual harassment. Sampling was carried out through purposive and snowball methods. From among this population, ۱۸ participants were selected based on theoretical saturation. The research instrument was in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using the three-stage coding process (open, axial, and selective coding), and the final paradigmatic model-including causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, actions/interactions, and consequences of sexual harassment-was extracted. Results: The results of the data analysis indicate that sexual harassment of women is influenced by causal conditions, including harassing behaviors and contexts of power abuse; contextual conditions such as insecurity in urban and family spaces, patriarchal beliefs, and inadequate sexual education; and intervening conditions including lack of responsibility and weak accountability of governmental institutions, as well as insufficient social support. Women’s actions and responses were manifested in forms such as silence, empowerment, advocacy, and the creation of familial and social support networks. The consequences of this phenomenon include psychological harm, reduced social interactions, and the reproduction of gender inequalities. Conclusion: Culture is a significant factor in understanding the totality of sexual violence. Each cultural context encompasses multiple moral and sociological factors that may influence the occurrence of sexual harassment against women. Therefore, examining and analyzing the moral and sociological factors shaped by each cultural structure is of paramount importance in preventing sexual harassment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Moral Dimensions ، Sociological Dimensions ، Sexual Harassment