Sociological Analysis of the Cultural Components of Marriage in Persian Tweets
Subject Areas : Social issues associated with spouse choosing, changing marriage patterns, divorce, and family instability
zahra sheikh
1
(PhD Student in Cultural Sociology, Tehran Science & Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. )
Bagher saroukhani
2
(Professor of Sociology Department, Tehran Science & Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran)
khadijeh zolghadr
3
(Assistant Professor, Department of Women's Studies, Tehran Science & Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.)
Keywords: marriage, family, pathology, qualitative content analysis, Twitter.,
Abstract :
Sociological Analysis of the Cultural
Components of Marriage in Persian Tweets
Zahra Sheikh*
Baqer Sarukhani**
Khadija Zulqadr***
Introduction
Marriage is a fundamental institution in both the family and the broader social structure, evolving over time. Understanding this area is crucial for policymakers to grasp societal attitudes, perspectives, and to plan effectively based on societal conditions. The aim of this research was to extract and analyze attitudes and demands regarding the cultural component of "marriage." This component encompasses attitudes, values, and mental priorities of individuals concerning marriage. The research utilized a qualitative content analysis method, focusing on Persian-speaking users of the X social network and employing a comprehensive sampling method to analyze tweets related to marriage from September 2021 till March 2022.
Methodology
The research employed hermeneutic content analysis. Hermeneutic content analysis is typically used to describe phenomena when existing theories or literature are limited. This approach avoids preconceived concepts, allowing new concepts to emerge from the data. Researchers immerse themselves in the data to gain novel insights, a process known as "inductive concept formation." Data analysis begins with repeated readings to achieve a comprehensive understanding. The researchers’ initiates analysis based on their perception of the text, continuing until patterns emerge. This process often results in identifying patterns from the text and categorizing them based on similarities and differences.
In the pilot study, 150 keywords were manually extracted from 600 tweets related to marriage. Using machine learning, approximately 1,800 relevant tweets were identified. After an initial cleaning stage, each tweet was reviewed, and those suitable for analysis were retained, while the rest were discarded. Ultimately, 919 tweets remained for analysis. In the second stage, each tweet was summarized in one word, and these summaries were grouped into categories with key concepts (subtopics) identified. In the third step, related subtopics were analyzed and combined to extract themes. This process was repeated throughout the research. Four main themes were identified: individualism (341 tweets), life skills (211 tweets), economy (197 tweets), and tradition (170 tweets).
Findings
The analysis revealed that Persian-speaking users of X social network discussed a range of topics related to marriage, including individual rights, fluid relationships, independence, communication skills, self-awareness skills, spousal participation, unemployment, the social value of wealth, economic problems, women's rights, family control, marriage customs, and women's rights.
The central theme of these discussions is relationships—what constitutes a desirable relationship and its qualities. The concept of relationships discussed extends beyond formal, registered marriages to include informal relationships, friendships, cohabitation, emotional and sexual partners, concubine (motteh), long-distance relationships, and virtual relationships. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: individualism, life skills, economy, and tradition.
“Individualism” emphasizes the value of the individual as a person with rights and opinions. Sub-themes of individualism and personal preservation were grouped under this broader theme. “Life skills” refer to psychological and social abilities that enable individuals to manage themselves effectively, including communication skills, self-awareness skills, and spousal participation.
The “economy” theme highlighted concerns such as inflation, unemployment, and future uncertainties as inhibiting factors for marriage. Economic attitudes toward marriage reflect a desire for wealth acquisition through clever and inexpensive means, aligning with consumer capitalism. “Tradition” involves societal customs, norms, and restrictions regarding marriage, including family control, marriage customs, and women's rights. The main criticism is that traditions limit individual freedom and personal opinions. While individuality and personal choice are highly valued today, past customs are not widely accepted by newer generations who advocate for equal rights and responsibilities based on personal views rather than traditional norms.
Conclusion
The discourse on marriage on social network X aligns with Bauman's theory of liquid relationships and Saroukhani's theory of personalization. Liquid relationships refer to short-term, non-committal relationships outside the framework of formal marriage, where commitment is minimal. Analysis of tweet content shows that preserving individuality and the power of choice are top priorities for users. They make decisions based on personal preferences and circumstances, free from overarching narratives. However, these liquid relationships may lead to psychological insecurity and intensified individualism, potentially alienating the family from its emotional and generational functions as a social institution, thereby endangering societal health.
* PhD Student in Cultural Sociology, Tehran Science & Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Sheikh.zahra84@gmail.com
** Corresponding Author: Professor of Sociology Department, Tehran Science & Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
b.saroukhani@yahoo.com
*** Assistant Professor, Department of Women's Studies, Tehran Science & Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
kzolghadr@srbiau.ac.ir
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