Understanding and interpretation of social science professors and students about the feminization of the university

Kalateh Sadat, َAhmad

doi:10.22035/jous.2024.5398.1085

Understanding and interpretation of social science professors and students about the feminization of the university

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author

َAhmad Kalateh Sadat

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

10.22035/jous.2024.5398.1085

Abstract

Regardless of stereotypes, values, or gender orientation, a general assessment of the university atmosphere and the status of continuing education among boys in society suggests that the university environment has become, or is tending to become, feminized. The aim of this study is to explore and analyze the perceptions and interpretations of social science facaulty members and students regarding this situation. The present qualitative study was conducted in 2023-2024 with 32 participants at Yazd University and employed thematic analysis for coding. The results indicate that, irrespective of the ideological and affirmative orientations that are often statistical and political, there exists a notable sense of fear, hope, and social anxiety among female university students. The interviewed students experience a range of emotions, including fear, hope, and panic regarding their academic lives, primarily stemming from concerns about their social and career futures. Factors such as the increasing age of marriage, limited choices in selecting a spouse, family pressures, and heightened expectations contribute to the negative outcomes identified in this research. However, there are also positive consequences, including enhanced social engagement, increased bargaining power, a pursuit of justice, greater self-awareness, and the maximization of personal utility. The five themes constructed from the research are: Visual Hyper-Femininity, Environmental Tranquility, Personal Growth, Generalized Imbalance, and Multifaceted Stagnation. It is recommended that scientific and cultural policymakers consider the findings of this study and conduct further research at the national level to explore the various dimensions of this subject.

Keywords

Hyper-femineity

university

culture

excellence

stagnation

Subjects

Issues and Injuries of Students and Faculty Members

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