Developmental idealism and ideational forces of family change in Yazd, Iran

Mohammad J. Abbasi-Shavazi , University of Tehran
Abbas Askari-Nodoushan, Yazd University, Iran

Implication of social change for family relations, beliefs and values has been the focus of various structural and ideational explanations in the social sciences. Adopting ‘developmental idealism’ theoretical framework, this paper explores the influence of developmental ideals on family behavior, beliefs and values in Iran as one of rapid socio-political change context. The data for this paper is drawn from the Developmental Idealism and Family Change Survey which conducted in the city of Yazd during October and November 2007. Information have been collected on fertility and family formation behavior as well as various aspects of developmental idealism from a sample of 700 women aged 15-54. Fertility and family attitudes and ideals will also be collected from a sample of 200 never-married women aged 20-29. This rich data set will allow us to evaluate adherence to propositions of the developmental idealism package by adult women, and to examine the extent to which individual experiences or societal factors have affected variation in the acceptance of these ideas. Additionally, we will determine the consequences of adherence to these ideals for their family life. Fertility and family ideals will also provide useful information to draw conclusions on the future of family behaviours in Iran.