A phenomenological exploration of the lived experiences of women aged 20 to 45 in Lamerd County regarding hijab and generational conflict within the context of cultural transformations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Bayram Aghapour 1
Parvaneh Doodman 2
Seyed Mahmoud Ashraf 3
Leila Siami 4
1 Department of Education Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
3 M.A. in Psychology, Teacher at the Ministry of Education, Khuzestan, Iran.
4 Department of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University.
10.22034/he.2026.587046.1232
Abstract
This study aimed to conduct an interpretive phenomenological examination of the lived experiences of women aged 20 to 45 in Lamerd regarding hijab and generational conflict within the broader context of cultural transformation. Employing a qualitative design and interpretive phenomenological methodology, data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews with sixteen participants selected via purposive sampling based on maximum variation. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, proceeding through initial coding, the development of subthemes and overarching themes, and phenomenological 0interpretation. The findings indicate that the experience of hijab among participants is a multilayered phenomenon articulated through seven principal themes: redefining the meaning of hijab; shifts in attitudes over time; the family as the primary site of socialization; virtual spaces and the reconstruction of meaning; generational conflict in conceptualizing hijab; dialogue as a strategy for managing conflict; and movement toward informed choice. These themes encompass elements such as identity formation, cognitive reflection, intercultural exposure, value transmission, media influence, lifestyle change, empathy, and individual agency. Overall, the results suggest that hijab functions not merely as a normative practice or external mandate but as part of an ongoing process of identity construction and reflexivity shaped through interactions with familial, media, and cultural structures. Generational conflict is shown to stem less from superficial differences than from divergent value systems and meaning-making frameworks. Dialogue and intergenerational engagement emerged as the most effective strategies for mitigating conflict. In participants’ perspectives, the future of hijab is envisioned through the lenses of informed choice, cultural diversity, and the coexistence of multiple meanings.
Keywords
Hijab
Lived experience
Generational conflict
Reflexivity
Lamerd
Subjects
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