https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/ Journal of Woman in Culture and Arts en daily 1 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106404.html It is true that language is the most important human tool for connecting with others, when it comes to showing inner feelings, description, image, paralanguage, body language, silence (=non-verbal communication), which can reveal many unsaid things better and clearer than language. Today, Paralanguage is widely used as one of the most important ways to establish a link between the characters of the novel, so when it comes to feelings or unsaid things that are challenging and discomforting to express, especially for women, its value raises. Mona Shafe'i, one of the writers of our time in Kuwait, in most of her fiction works, reflects the phenomena related to Kuwaiti or Eastern women, and to that extent, she uses non-linguistic tools to reflect the sometimes taboo feelings of women, which has become one of the features of the cognitive style of her writings. Lailat Al-Jonoun (Night of Madness) reflects a segment of the life of a girl who keeps dreaming & who is inconsistent with the Eastern traditions. She is never disappointed and even though she has achieved some of her political and social citizenship rights, she faces a problem in expressing her emotional feelings. The upcoming research, by a descriptive-analytical approach, firstly refers to the difficulties or social, political and religious challenges faced by the women of Lailat Al-Jonoun. Then after that, examines how these women are prohibited from openly expressing their inner feelings, which is one of the most important rights of women's citizenship. Therefore, they have used metalanguage and indirect expression to reflect such a feeling. The women of the narrative, on the one hand, have recognized themselves, and on the other hand, they are still trapped by social barriers. So they struggle with dual states such as anxiety, distress, shame, death on one hand, and with recklessness, happiness and hope, on the other hand. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106405.html Women's social issues are significant and debated topics in all societies. One of the most important of these issues is violence and abuse against women, which is not a phenomenon of today or yesterday. This social phenomenon is largely rooted in the traditions and culture of nations, the power dynamics of men in that society, and the extent of patriarchal attitudes in each community. This research aims to unveil the implicit ideology guiding Tunisian society regarding the issue of abuse against women, considering the impact of media on values. Since discourse analysis is one of the linguistic methods for revealing hidden ideas in texts and accessing the essence and depth of those texts, this study explores the ideological approaches in the Tunisian newspaper Al-Jomhouria within this context, relying on Fairclough's theory. The headlines and news content in these newspapers are examined using a descriptive-analytical method. The results indicate that Al-Jomhouria employs various linguistic methods and techniques to represent the issue of abuse against women: documenting news based on statistics from credible national sources in Tunisia, ensuring the certainty of news through interviews with the Minister of Women and Family, reliance on rhetorical elements, use of intertextuality, coherence, and coordination among others. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106406.html one of the important topics in the contemporary fiction literature of the world is attention to women, their issues and problems .Among the contemporary Iranian writers, Fariba Vafi is one of the writers whose main focus of his fictional works is "women". she tries to represent the concept of women and femininity at different linguistic levels, which arises from the cultural, social and historical background of women, and criticizes gender distinctions and restrictions and deprivations of women. Therefore, based on Zoltan Kovecses's theory of conceptual metaphor, which considers linguistic metaphors to be culturally based, the conceptual metaphors of "femininity" have been extracted and analyzed in the fictional works of Fariba and its social and cultural foundations. The conducted study shows that the cognitive metaphors of "femininity" in Vafi's works come from three different cultural systems: "patriarchal", "modern" and "ancient". The cultural basis of many conceptual metaphors such as "a woman is nothing", "a woman is inferior", "a woman is a captive" have emerged based on the patriarchal cultural system. Metaphors such as "a woman is an angel" and "a woman is a guardian" are based on the mythological beliefs of ancient Iran about goddesses. Metaphors such as "a woman is a doll" and "a woman is a commodity" are based on modern and westernized culture, which unfortunately has put the current situation of women under the spotlight. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106407.html Starbucks, which is headquartered in the United States, is the world's largest coffeehouse franchise. Starbucks’ logo is inspired by Siren, a mythical woman from ancient Greece. The brand has utilized her attributes of beauty, charm, and seduction as a symbol of its appeal to attract consumers. Masoud Nejabati utilized this logo as the foundation for an intercultural piece of art. The imperative of this research is emphasized by the necessity of comprehending the process through which meanings related to women are constructed and represented in contemporary art, based on modern theoretical frameworks.This article aims to analyze Nejabati’s work from the perspective of Gérard Genette’s hypertextuality theory. The following inquiries are the focus of the investigation:1. What semiotic systems are involved in the process of deriving the Starbucks poster from the original logo, and how have they undergone homogeneity or heterogeneity?2. What are the explicit and implicit, concordant or conflicting meanings associated with the representation of women in the Starbucks logo and its poster version?The descriptive-analytical methodology employed in this qualitative investigation is as follows. The visual and verbal systems of the artwork have witnessed travestissement-type transformations, as evidenced by the data collected through library-based research. The verbal system appropriates the widely circulated libertarian slogan as the hypotext. This intercivilizational, intercultural, and translational artwork endeavors to challenge the conceptual significations that are dominant in Western libertarian ideology by introducing implicit meanings such as exploitation, self-interest, and oppression through transmotivation and transvaluation in its verbal and visual components. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106408.html Analyzing the intellectual underpinnings of political movements is crucial for comprehending their essence and objectives. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is particularly significant as it has embroiled at least four countries in the Western Asian region since initiating armed conflict to pursue its goals. One of the key slogans and aims of this organization is the "liberation of women" and the "elimination of oppression and discrimination" against them. To grasp the essence of these objectives, it is imperative to delve into the organization's ideological perspectives concerning women and their societal status. Given the leftist roots of this group, initial assumptions suggested a correlation between the ideological perspectives of its intellectual leader and the tenets of classical Marxism, notably Friedrich Engels, regarding women. This study seeks to unravel the motivations and ideologies through the "interpretive paradigm" and utilizes an "interrogative strategy". Data was gathered by scrutinizing published materials, evaluated through "descriptive case studies" and "comparing and correlating information". The findings reveal that despite criticisms of classical Marxism, Öcalan aligns considerably with its views on women. Öcalan has been influenced by Engels' historical portrayal of women, adapting these ideas and advocating for women's rights in a manner influenced by the core principles of classical Marxism. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106409.html From the point of view of sociologists, what is proposed as the centrality of decision-making in the family, and the multifacetedness and dynamics of the family institution and the complexity of the relationships within it, which psychologists carefully seek to analyze,can be recovered from the views of Rumi.Molavi shows that he was familiar with the cultural structures of his time and its subtleties about the family and the principles of the challenges.In this research,which has been done in a descriptive-analytical way,an attempt has been made to obtain a more realistic view of the relations,rituals and structure of the family in the 7th century AH from the total of scattered, incoherent and chaotic images of past biographers and discrete narratives.through these works, let's get closer to his approach and theoretical foundations to his lifestyle, behavior and actions,which was far beyond and more humane than the conventional beliefs of our time.His point of view in explaining the function and benefits and harms of marriage in human and social relationships,planning the home and reconciliation and divorce,which he sometimes deals with detail and delicacy,shows moderation,fairness and free thinking.In addition to psychological considerations about chastity, violence, polygamy,criticism and pathology of the family,Rumi also provides solutions in some cases. The fine line between social realities and personal perspective can be recognized by the existence of letters and references that can be seen in his works and biographers. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106410.html Atossa, daughter of Cyrus the Great and wife of both Cambyses and Darius I, stands out as one of the most prominent and influential women of the Achaemenid Empire. She played a notable role in the economic and social structures of her time. This study draws on recent archaeological discoveries—especially the Persepolis Fortification Tablets—to offer a clearer understanding of her life and position within the imperial system. By comparing these sources with Greek historical narratives, the research aims to present a more balanced and evidence-based portrayal of Atossa. Using a library-based method and content analysis of historical documents, the study reveals that Atossa was far more than the scheming, ambitious figure depicted in Greek accounts. Instead, she emerges as a capable, responsible, and effective administrator. Through a network of agents, she managed extensive estates, oversaw the distribution of rations, and supervised thriving economic workshops. Her activities suggest not only strong organizational abilities but also a high level of trust and respect within the Achaemenid court. Moreover, the succession of Xerxes I is examined in light of these findings. Contrary to claims of manipulation by Atossa, evidence indicates that Xerxes’ selection was based on his qualifications and a deliberate decision by Darius I.By focusing on Atossa’s economic and social roles, this study highlights the value of epigraphic sources in reconstructing a more accurate historical narrative—one that challenges traditional, often biased, accounts and restores a fuller picture of women’s roles in the Achaemenid world. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106411.html This article examines and analyzes the image of women in Ivan Bunin’s poetry during the early years of the twentieth century, with a focus on the representation of both particular women (archetypal, mythical, symbolic) and ordinary Eastern women. The analyses show that in these poems, women transcend physical beauty and delicacy, becoming symbols of emotion, vitality, power, and the mythopoetic spirit of the East. They are sometimes depicted as innocent and tender, at other times as seductive and powerful, and their presence is deeply interwoven with nature and the surrounding world. The research method is textual and comparative analysis, focusing on the language, imagery, and descriptive style of women to explore the role of myth and symbol in shaping space and meaning. The findings indicate that the presence of women in Bunin’s poetry goes beyond physical attraction, transforming them into symbols of myth, driving forces of life, and embodiments of human complexity. The representation of women, both as archetypes and as common figures, carries cultural, historical, and cross-cultural messages, reflecting the interplay of myth, symbol, and social reality in Bunin’s poetry. This study emphasizes that Bunin’s poetry, through the fusion of aesthetics, symbolic narrative, and mythological elements, presents a multilayered and dynamic image of women in harmony with nature and the surrounding world. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_99445.html Research highlights the significant economic and social ramifications that, when infidelity leads to divorce, disrupt family dynamics and can have long-lasting negative effects on the individuals involved. The study poses the following inquiry: How can a therapist establish a safe and supportive space for couples to investigate the underlying causes of infidelity, and devise strategies for communication and conflict resolution? In what ways can counseling assist couples in the process of reestablishing trust, fortifying their dedication to their relationship, and devising strategies for the future of their marriage? This qualitative case study implemented grounded theory methodology in order to enhance comprehension of infidelity and devise more effective intervention strategies. The participants were deliberately chosen from married couples who were seeking counseling at a Tehran counseling facility. In order to acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the therapeutic process, one couple participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews during their 14 therapy sessions, each of which lasted a minimum of 90 minutes. This sampling method enabled a concentrated investigation of the ways in which therapy can address infidelity.The results indicate that infidelity is influenced by a variety of factors, including a lack of communication, a weak emotional connection, differing values, inappropriate workplace relationships, social media misuse, and negative familial experiences. The study also highlights the importance of improved communication, stronger emotional connection, healthy boundaries with extended family, a focus on “us” as a couple, and a personal connection to a higher power (if applicable) in rebuilding trust and strengthening the marriage during treatment. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_101649.html Pictorial carpets, the result of combining tradition with modernity, peaked during Qajar rule. The themes of these carpets include literary stories, religious motifs, animal depictions, ancient Iranian relics, and portraits of monarchs. A distinctive category also emerged, where the image of a woman replaced traditional patterns. This research aims to identify a rare hand-woven carpet design from the Qajar period featuring the bust of a woman and investigate the creation of the design from Panofsky's iconographic point of view. The research questions are: what was the catalyst for the emergence of women’s images in Qajar pictorial carpets, and what concealed messages do these images convey? The objective of this research is fundamental, and the methodology is descriptive-analytical. Data was collected through library resources, and three carpets depicting the bust of a woman were the studied samples. The appearance of women’s images in Qajar carpets was influenced by the concurrent creation of these carpets with the Qajar era, the expansion of relations with Europe, the prevalence of lithographic printing, the introduction of photography and postcards, naturalistic painting, humanistic thought, changes in clothing style, social and political roles of women, and the abundance of women’s images in Qajar art. The imagery of these carpets is in harmony with numerous advancements of their era, as evidenced by the alignment of artists with the movements of the time. influenced by the social, political, and cultural conditions and unaware of Europeans Orientalism, Qajar carpet weavers reflect the currents and developments of the society in carpets. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_104371.html The modern era's transformations and the media-driven nature of modern humans have led to the emergence of "hijab style" as a form of activism. This phenomenon is global, not exclusive to Iran, but its significance is heightened in Iran due to hijab being a valued principle. Given the multiple definitions of this emerging phenomenon, this research aimed to understand it by engaging with experts in modesty and hijab, fashion, and social media. Through grounded theory, the essence of the phenomenon was extracted, including its formation, characteristics, and types of followers.The analysis revealed that the spread of hijab style can be attributed to behavioral, cognitive, and structural factors. The findings indicate that its formation and strategies for addressing it are rooted in the context of modern civilization and media influence, where managerial and structural factors play a crucial role. These factors have been categorized as contextual and interventionist conditions, leading to strategies in religious, economic, promotional/media, cultural/social, and educational dimensions.Iranian society faces consequences in religious, psychological/moral, intellectual/cultural, and social domains. Ultimately, after outlining the current situation, strategies for achieving a desirable state were identified across economic, social, legal, media, and cultural aspects.Keywords: Hijab Style, mode, fashion, Social networks, Instagram. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_104938.html Travelogues, as one of the most important historical and cultural documents, play a key role in shaping one nation’s perceptions of another. A particular and frequently stereotypical image of Iranian women has been presented in Western travelogues about Iran, particularly in recent centuries. These representations have not remained confined to texts alone; rather, they have exerted profound effects on the lived realities, security, and modes of social presence of Iranian women in public spaces. This article provides a critical examination of the portrayal of Iranian women in Western travelogues and illustrates that these texts serve as more than just historical documents; they also serve as methods for the construction of a “Oriental Other.” The present study delineates the construction and solidification of the stereotypical image of the Iranian woman as an isolated and confined being restricted to the private sphere within these travelogues, drawing on Edward Said's theoretical framework of Orientalism and Mulvey’s concept of the “gaze.” This article investigates the tangible repercussions of these representations on the lived experiences of Iranian women, transcending the confines of strictly textual analysis. The results suggest that these portrayals have not only influenced the perceptions of Western audiences but have also had a profound and enduring impact on the psychological and physical security of Iranian women, as well as on the quality and nature of their social presence in public spaces, as a result of their infiltration into domestic discourses. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106060.html Understanding the condition of women during the Qajar period requires examining the publications of that era, where women were considered a cornerstone of both family and society. The newspaper Shokoufeh, with its comprehensive perspective on health issues for families and schools, and its repeated emphasis on the necessity of women's education, holds significant importance for understanding the role and status of women and the general conditions of the time.This study addresses the question of why Shokoufeh emphasized the necessity of educating and raising awareness among women regarding education and health? It also examines the strategies proposed by the newspaper to encourage women to pursue education and adhere to health principles?. The findings indicate that Shokoufeh represented an intellectual movement aiming to replace traditional views on women's education. By introducing Western women's lifestyles and emphasizing the value of women as individuals, the newspaper sought to open new horizons for Iranian women in the fields of education and health.Using a library-based methodology and a descriptive-analytical approach, this research explores Shokoufeh's perspective on the significance of school health as a prerequisite for education and national development. The newspaper emphasized the need for a healthy school environment for girls pursuing education and highlighted the importance of women’s role in both the household and society. https://jwica.ut.ac.ir/article_106061.html This research provides an analytical analysis of the fifth clause of the general policies of the Seventh Development Plan in the field of social security, with special emphasis on the situation of women. The main goal is to explain the capacities, shortcomings, and obstacles to the implementation of this policy in order to achieve social justice and reduce gender inequalities. The present study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and a documentary study, and its data was collected through a review of primary and secondary sources. The findings show that the most important strength of this clause is its compliance with global models through its emphasis on a “multi-layer system” and “comprehensiveness,” which enables coverage of different groups of women. However, the main weakness lies in the lack of transparency of executive mechanisms and sustainable financial resources. Two major challenges were also identified: 1) macro-challenges such as rapid population aging and pressure on insurance funds, and 2) structural challenges such as parallel work of institutions and inefficient governance. In the area of ​​women, this clause has failed to address specific needs such as precarious employment, caregiving responsibilities, and vulnerability in old age. Consequently, although this clause has strong theoretical support, its realization requires the development of an operational plan to reform the governance structure, stabilize financial resources, and adopt strategies to address the demographic challenge while taking into account gender justice.