Traditional Model of Power Structure in Some Iranian Families

Social changes that resulted from industrial revolution changed the social roles of women and men، and led to revolutions in the power structure within families. The present conditions have rejected the traditional patriarchy system، seeking more equality of power between men and women. This demand has been materialized to a certain extent، and relations within families have progressed towards «democratization». In addition، the traditional system of patriarchy has weakened. Using qualitative research method and relying on field data gathered mainly through interview technique، this research attempts to show that inequality of power between spouses does not necessarily lead to exploitation. Comments by a large proportion of the interviewees suggest that abiding by traditional norms vis-à-vis husband and wife relations brings about happiness in marital life as long as there is no power abuse and there is also some extent of intimacy between the spouses. In such traditional models of family، the so-called legitimate inequality of power is not considered as an issue between the spouses.