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International Journal of
Population Studies Gendered division of household labor in Iran

making among family members from various perspectives. women’s formal and informal authority. While the direct
Arguments from the perspective of power resources impact of women’s income on their bargaining power is not
suggest that the balance of power in the household between entirely clear, research suggests that a smaller income gap
husbands and wives is negotiated through the exchange between partners can enhance women’s bargaining power.
of resources such as income, educational attainment, However, some studies indicate that women’s employment,
and occupational prestige. Research suggests that wives property ownership, income, or education does not always
with higher incomes should have more power in these result in greater decision-making authority within the
negotiations, leading to a more equitable division of labor household; in some cases, it may even diminish it. This is
in the household (Fuwa, 2004; Shu et al., 2012). Bargaining particularly evident in South Asia, where women may take
theories suggest that women’s relative contributions to the out loans for the family, which they repay independently,
household determine their position in intra-household leading to a loss of control over their assets and income,
negotiations and decision-making power (Gómez-Valle potentially worsening their financial situation (Mabsout &
& Holvoet, 2022; Bercea & Oreffice, 2006). Labor market Van Staveren, 2010).
opportunities are considered one of the most critical In recent decades, the Iranian family has experienced
determinants of women’s bargaining power within the significant changes both structurally and ideationally
household, according to bargaining theories (Dong, 2021). (Sadeghi & Agadjanian, 2019). Conventionally, power
The gender roles in both the family and society have dynamics within families were often based on gender
undergone notable transformations in many regions and age, with men and older individuals typically
worldwide. A key trend in modern societies in recent decades holding authority. However, there has been a noticeable
has been the increasing labor force participation of women, improvement in the social status of women, leading to
marking a significant shift from traditional norms (Drobnič et greater autonomy in decision-making. This change has
al., 2024). Increasing employment opportunities for women been supported by women’s increased access to resources
enhance their autonomy in decision-making. Previous and opportunities, challenging traditional family power
research consistently demonstrates a strong relationship structures in Iran (Bagheri et al., 2009; Askari-Nadoushan
between decision-making authority and the distribution et al., 2012). Several studies have explored this transition in
of household responsibilities, reflecting power dynamics in Iran (Jarollahi, 1996; Raisi & Moghadas, 2012; Amini et al.,
marital relationships (Gazso-Windle & McMullin, 2003). 2013; Nayebi & Golshani, 2013; Rezvani & Zanjanizadeh,
Women’s participation in decision-making is influenced 2015). However, most of these studies have focused on
by changes in family structure and societal norms (Rashid, women’s resources such as income and education, with
2013). The level of involvement in decision-making and less emphasis on the influence of men’s socioeconomic
household chores can vary across different societies. This status. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the
is influenced by factors such as women’s age, employment division of domestic labor and decision-making authority
status, income, property ownership, education level, male within households in Tehran, while also examining the
migration, and number of children (Agarwal, 1994; Kabeer, socioeconomic factors associated with these dynamics.
1999; Quisumbing, 2004; Anderson & Eswaran, 2009; The results of this study could have important implications
Ghobadi et al., 2011; Mohammadi, 2012; Gómez-Valle & for women’s empowerment, their social and economic
Holvoet, 2022; Ram Mohan et al., 2022). Women in more participation, and the promotion of gender equality.
advantageous positions compared to their partners, who
challenge traditional gender roles, are more likely to make 1.1. Theoretical framework
joint decisions rather than acting independently. Working Gender inequality in the division of domestic labor and
women are less likely to shoulder the sole responsibility decision-making power within households can be explained
for childcare and daily cooking (Gómez-Valle & Holvoet, by two main sociological approaches: The resource-
2022). Women with higher incomes, greater education, based approach and the gender-centered approach. The
longer working hours, and more egalitarian attitudes toward “resource-based approach” suggests that individuals’ power
gender roles tend to do less household work. Conversely, and choices in the division of domestic labor and decision-
men with shorter working hours, higher education, and making are influenced by their resources, such as education,
more egalitarian attitudes toward gender roles tend to employment, and income. Women’s empowerment in
contribute more to household chores (Coltrane, 2000). education and employment has increased their bargaining
Castells (2010) argues that women’s economic participation power over men (An, 2008). The resource-based approach
enhances their bargaining power and allows them to considers the domestic division of labor as the outcome
challenge traditional family structures without fear of of ongoing negotiation and bargaining between spouses.
repercussions. Employment and income strengthen In contrast, the “gender-centered approach” argues that

Volume 11 Issue 2 (2025) 110 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.3212