A Study on Social and Cultural Factors Related to the Participation Level of Rural Women

The general purpose of the present study is to investigate the social and cultural factors related to the participation level of rural women in familial and meta-familial (social, political, economic and cultural) issues. The study is carried out using documental and fieldwork (questionnaire) methods. The theoretical framework of the study is based on pattern variables of Parsons and gender stratification theories of Randal Collins and Janet Chaftz. The total population of the present study consists of women aged between 15 to 65 years old in rural regions of Zanjan province. Based on Cochran sampling formula, 500 of total population are selected as the sample size. Results show that about 21% of women have low participation in familial and meta-familial issues; whereas about 25% of women have a high level of participation, and only 35% of women have a medium level of participation. Results of path-analysis reveal that women's social and economic status is among the key variables that can influence their participation; (considering two dimensions of participation including culture and behavior). In other words, as the social and economic status of women ascends, their participation level rises considerably.