Consequences of Divorce for Divorced Women with Emphasize on the Socio-demographic Factors: A Study in Ahvaz City, Iran

This paper aims to study some of the consequences of divorce for divorced women with an emphasis on socio-demographic variables; monthly income, age, education level, and size of the household. Using the survey method, the data were collected in the form of a questionnaire and the form of a targeted and available sample of 440 divorced women in Ahvaz City. According to the findings, among the most important social problems of divorced women can be mentioned the humiliating and oppressive society's view of women, the feeling of being under constant surveillance, and frequent harassment that weakens women's self-confidence. The insufficient income of divorced women to meet the needs of themselves and their children has caused this group of women to face severe economic deprivation. Being affected by children's feelings and emotions as well as feeling depressed in divorced women is one of the most important psychological consequences of divorce. In issues related to health and physiology, the increase in the consumption of sedatives in divorced women has led to changes in their body structure and the deterioration of their health. One of the important findings of this research is the priority of social issues over other issues (economic, psychological, and physiological). Divorced women who have lower income, education, and age, compared to divorced women who have better education and economic status and older age, suffer from more social, economic, psychological, and physiological issues and problems. The results of this article can be effective in many dimensions in understanding and dealing with the issue of divorce and can be a way for policymakers and planners to pay more attention to the issues of divorced women.