Women' Cultural Development (Study in Qom Province)

Abstract

The shift in the axis of development in final decade of 20th century changed its centrality from social sphere to the cultural sphere. Nowadays, cultural development is a precondition to achieve other components of development and those countries that are able to achieve cultural development will be regarded successful at individual and societal levels. The present paper reviews the situation and factors of cultural development among 532 women in Qom province. Results showed that the extent of women's cultural development in Qom province is lower than average and normal. In addition, the most important factors affecting women's cultural development in this province are the following: 1) socio-economic status, 2) Modernism, 3) social capital, 4) pattern variables, and 5) traditional gender beliefs. Results imply that nature of women's cultural development in Qom province is more public rather than medium or elitist.