Family, Culture, and Challenges of Childhood (Case Study of Harandi Neighbourhood in Tehran)

Davoodi, Maryam; Safari, Mohammadrahim; Ahangar, Alireza; Haditabar, Hamideh

doi:10.22054/rjsw.2025.83618.790

Family, Culture, and Challenges of Childhood (Case Study of Harandi Neighbourhood in Tehran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Maryam Davoodi ¹

Mohammadrahim Safari ²

Alireza Ahangar ³

Hamideh Haditabar ⁴

¹ Department of Psychology and Counseling Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

² Sociology Dept., Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

³ دانشجوی کارشناسی ارشد مددکاری اجتماعی دانشگاه علامه طباطبائی

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/rjsw.2025.83618.790

Abstract

This study examines the cultural, familial, and childhood challenges faced by migrant families residing in Tehran's Harandi neighborhood. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a purposive and snowball sample of 40 participants. The sample comprised three groups: migrant families living in Harandi, specialists in social work and social harms, and local business owners and government officials.The findings indicate that the intertwined cultural, social, and economic structures within these migrant families have led to significant role shifts. These shifts are characterized by the prevalence of child labor, women's entry into the workforce, child marriage, and adolescent parenting, all against a backdrop of pervasive poverty. Consequently, the conception of childhood is being transformed into one defined by labor, effectively forcing children into the roles of premature adults. This transformation, alongside the challenging living conditions, exposes both women and children to numerous psychosocial harms. In essence, the interplay between culture and family within this migrant community has redefined childhood in a manner that subjects children to a multitude of psychosocial challenges.

Keywords

Culture

family

childhood

diaspora groups

childhood challenges

Subjects