Examining the Level of Development in Relation to Gender Deprivation and Empowerment (In Iranian Provinces during 2009 and 2019)

Abstract

The concept of human development emphasizes qualitative aspects over the mere quantitative aspects of growth. The core of this concept is that development must go beyond increasing income and wealth. In the framework of human development, women’s participation in economic, social, and political life, as well as eliminating gender inequalities, holds significant importance. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the levels of human and geographical development with the degree of deprivation and empowerment in gender-related indices. The research methodology is based on a documentary-statistical approach. The data sources include the results of the 2006 and 2016 censuses. The statistical population of this study encompasses all provinces of the country, analyzed comprehensively based on the census results of 2006 and 2016. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 19) and EViews software. The findings indicate that the indices constituting the levels of development in Iranian provinces (human development levels, distance from and proximity to Tehran, population density [human capital], and the type of geographical settlements [urban and rural areas]) have a positive and significant relationship with the degree of gender-related deprivation and empowerment. Additionally, the indices representing the levels of development in Iranian provinces can explain the variance in the degree of gender-related deprivation and empowerment.