Abstract
Background: Divorce rates are increasing due to factors like cultural norms, education, and economic independence. In Iran, divorce rates have risen due to modernization, and women's empowerment. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the rise in divorce rates, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of women, judges, and counselors.
Methods:
The study examined divorced women in Ahvaz city from May to December 2022, focusing on the factors influencing their decisions. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Data was collected through semistructured interviews at Ahvaz City Family Court and counseling centers. The study adhered to ethical considerations, and trustworthiness through interpretative rigor evaluation, data transferability, and peer reviews. The researchers utilized multiple data methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
Results: This study involving 13 women seeking divorce, 5 judges, and 2 counselors identified 16 categories related to the divorce process. In Iran, divorce is considered a man's right, and women's ability to provide divorce attorneys is increasing due to changing social conditions. Family support institutions in Iran often perform poorly, premarital counseling often overlooked. In Khuzestan, reasons for divorce are rooted in traditional contexts, individuals often avoiding counseling due to the stigma and rejection of counseling centers. The pervasive culture of matrimony and desire for financial independence among women contributes to divorce. Violent culture and addiction among men also contribute to divorce. It emphasizes the importance of addressing family issues, recognizing cultural norms, and addressing the root causes of divorce in Khuzestan. Divorces can arise for various reasons, including expediency, economic problems, residential interference, family interference, lack of knowledge, lack of life skills, and the influence of virtual spaces.
Conclusions: Divorce in the Khuzestan region of Iran is taboo, due to cultural norms. However, various factors have led to an increase in divorce requests. Strategies to prevent divorce include enforcing stricter marriage rules, punishing foreigners who illegally marry women, providing married life skills training, promoting equality in marriage, and increasing counseling monitoring and joint meetings for volunteer married individuals and those about to marry.