A Phenomenological Understanding of the Life Experience of Women from Their Presence in Wom-en Religious Ceremonies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student, Department of Sociology, Allameh Tabataba’i University

2 Student, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch

Abstract

Based on Joachim Wach theory, attempts have been made in this paper to phenomenologically understand and recognize the types of the life experience of women from their presence in women religious ceremonies and sessions. Statistical sample is 40 women who participated in religious sessions in different regions of Tehran. The data were collected through interview and analyzed through Schmidt method. The findings indicate that life experience of women from their presence in religious ceremonies on three levels of intellectual, practical and social types are as below: A) Intellectual: gaining otherworldly rewards and proximity to God; positive impact of such a presence on human soul and psyche (acquisition of peace) with more acquaintance with the Quran, religious commandments and the life of the Infallible Imams. B) Practical: Finding appropriate and religious cases for marriage; positive impacts on family and marital life (improvement of relations between the couples and those of the parents and their children); and spending leisure times. C) Social: participation in social charities; awareness of condition of friends and relatives and assisting them in case of their need; and family visits.

Keywords