Iranian Journal of Sociology

Abstract Poor female-headed households are one of the most vulnerable groups of society. These women, in addition to the traditional roles of women in the family, have responsibility about the role of head of household that includes two key elements: "Livelihoods Security" and "Administration and Management" of the household. This study is aimed to identify and assess sociological factors affecting the empowerment of female-headed households. It has been taken into consideration the above two elements. In this regard it conducted a survey study on 824 women who were working in entrepreneurship and training centers affiliated to Tehran Municipality. Data have been analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques such as correlation analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis and ordinal regression analysis. Research findings indicate a strong influence on the dependent variable via economic empowerment. The negative effect for “age” and the positive effect for “administrative period” on the dependent variable are significant. Also, divorced women had a higher empowerment level than other women.

Abstract Neighborhood is an important aspect of a city’s public space that provides the residents with the opportunity for social communication and so it has a main effect in improving the city’s social integration. The secondary analysis of data related to thirty neighborhood networks in three selected zones in Mashhad clearly shows the relational integration of  neighborhood network is less than the medium limit and is more dependent on weak neighborhood ties. Moreover, value Integration of  neighborhood networks is weak with respect to the 'relational interests'  and 'local commitments', but with regards to 'commonality of interests and commitments' is relatively strong. Multivariate analysis of relational and value integration of  neighborhood networks indicates that variables such as residential stability, and density, status, ethnic, religious and local variety affect the variation of neighborhood networks integration. Specially, the two first variables, namely the residential stability and status variety, are more important in such variations.