Women in Pahlavi Iran (1941-1965)

This thesis discusses women's political, economic and social organization during Pahlavi Dynasty which ruled Iran during 1925-1979 and specific to 1941-1965. In the first chapter of the study, how Iran's political and social agenda which started changing in the 19th century affected the situation of the Iranian women's social status and the poisiton of women on this agenda will be analyzed. At the same time, the westernization policy performed by Qajar Dynasty, economic crisis and 1905-1911 constitution revolution will also be analyzed; Iranian women's active participation to the process will also be discussed. In the second chapter, it will be discussed that the foundation of the Pahlavi Dynasty by Rıza Pehlevi, the development of the new governance system and the deviancy on the traditional/conservative Islamic structure which was caused by the modernization movement initiated on Iran's socio-cultural structure. During the analysis, reactions developed by women to major changes through media and organizations will be analyzed. In the third and the last chapter, in the modern structure of Pahlavi Iran, struggle of women to exist in society during Muhammed Rıza Pehlevi era, the dynamics of the period and the women's status in White Revolution will be covered; and it will be discussed that the formative process of Iranian women's changing political and social demands and state notions in 20th century.