Exploring the Role of Religious Teachings in Iranian Women’S Sexual Life Scenarios Publisher



Maasoumi R^{1, 2} ; Shivarani M³ ; Lamb R⁴ ; Zarei F⁵
Source: Sexuality and Culture Published:2020

Abstract

Religious guidance plays an important role in the sexual beliefs and practices of Iranians. In this qualitative study, we explore how women conceptualize the role of religious teachings in their sexual lives. Qualitative data were gathered in Shiraz and Tehran, Iran, from 31 Iranian Muslim married women. Participants were recruited for semi-structured and in-depth interviews with purposeful sampling. Conventional content analysis was used to extract meanings and perceptions. From our participants’ stated perspectives regarding the role of religious teachings in their sexual and marital lives, one main theme emerged: the regulation of sexual behaviors based on religious guidance. In addition, five subthemes were identified: (1) mutually satisfying sexual relationships, (2) patterns in sexual relationships, (3) certainty of the sexual relationship, (4) the sexual relationship as a religious duty, and (5) resort-to-religion behaviors in problematic sexual relationships. There is a variety of nuanced understanding of the ways in which women try to deal with religious teachings which affect the quality of their sexual lives. To responsibly provide women with reproductive health care, an understanding of the footprints of scenarios taken from society regarding the influence of religious views on sexuality is needed. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.