Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Faculty Member, Department of Sustainable Urban and Regional Development, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR) – Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
2
Faculty Member, Department of Sociology of Tourism , Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi branch , Iran
3
Research Assistant, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR) - Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
10.22084/csr.2026.31183.2377
Abstract
Female heads of households in the informal settlements of Altimor, Mashhad, are positioned at the center of a profound role duality: they are compelled to simultaneously bear the direct responsibilities of livelihood and motherhood; however, a substantial portion of their hardships remains hidden and invisible. This qualitative study, employing a phenomenological approach and purposeful sampling, based on in-depth interviews with 26 selected women (diverse in duration of household headship, economic status, and aged between 30 and 69 years), uncovers the unknown layers of role conflict and their everyday living conditions. The findings reveal that the invisible burden arising from the simultaneous onslaught of psychological, social, and cultural pressures, alongside the absence of institutional support and prevailing social norms, exacerbates role conflict and generates novel dimensions of despair and psychological erosion. The ongoing experience of anxiety, feelings of isolation, and cultural limitations fundamentally affect these women's quality of life; nevertheless, their resilience and persistence despite all constraints are remarkable. The research highlights the urgent need for the development and implementation of multidimensional support and empowerment policies for female heads of households.
Keywords
Subjects
