Challenges of social exclusion in the process of transitioning unaccompanied and maltreated youth to independent living in Tehran: A qualitative study in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Bagheri, Marita; Mohammadi, Asghar; Esmaili, Reza

Challenges of social exclusion in the process of transitioning unaccompanied and maltreated youth to independent living in Tehran: A qualitative study in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Marita Bagheri ¹

Asghar Mohammadi ²

Reza Esmaili ¹

¹ Department of Management, Is.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

² Department of Sociology, Dehaqan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dehaqan, Iran

Abstract

This study analyzes the challenges and problems of unaccompanied and maltreated youth who, after spending years in welfare centers as supported individuals, are now entering a stage in their lives where they must leave the organization's continuous support system and make a living on their own.
In this regard, the main goal of this research is the challenges of social exclusion in the process of transitioning unaccompanied and abused youth to independent life (society) in Tehran. The present research was a qualitative research and was conducted using a phenomenological method.
The research tool included semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The research participants included unaccompanied girls and boys transferred to the community, who were at least 21 years old and had been transferred for a maximum of 5 years. The selection was purposive. MAXQDA software was used to analyze the data. In examining the data obtained from the interviews, it was coded into 4 main themes and 13 sub-themes.
The findings indicated the problems and challenges that young people face in entering society. The study specifically focused on challenges such as lack of support networks, lack of acceptance by society, identity crises, and a sense of ambivalence when faced with independent living.
The results of the study showed that they face extensive problems in all aspects of their lives and, in order to achieve an independent and successful life, they need continuous support, specialized training, and reform of social attitudes.

Keywords

Social exclusion

unaccompanied and maltreated youth

transition to independent life and entry into society

qualitative method

Subjects

Topics related to the Islamic Revolution

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