Types of savings and their developmental outcomes among women in Tehran

The main purpose of this study is the typology of women’s savings and its outcomes among women in Tehran. The methodological approach of this article is qualitative. Data is collected through interviews according to the objectives of the research. In this study, 39 female participants were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed through content analysis method. The results of this study show that the types of women’s savings include reverse saving, underspending, gradual consumption/consumption management, gradual saving, consumption deferral, conversion of savings into capital, and targeted investments. They spend this savings on getting what they do not have/meeting essential and future needs, more access to amenities, recreational needs in order to improve living conditions, providing for their children’s future and family well-being, emotional purchases, family support, lending to relatives, large purchases resulting in a gradual increase in family wealth, and, ultimately, children’s education. Also, factors affecting women’s tendency to save include gaining decision-making power and the power to stand on their own, feeling the need to improve their position in the family and community, gaining social prestige, feeling the need for power and standing on their own, motivation for progress, feeling the need for (financial) independence, feeling the need for respect and approval and a sense of security. The outcomes of saving are the expansion of participation in the family and community, gaining a position in family decision-making, gaining social prestige, increased self-confidence, women’s financial independence, satisfaction with life/feeling of happiness, psychological security, family progress and well-being, expanding relationships and social interaction, problem solving and family crisis management, and, finally, rational planning and increasing the culture of saving.