The Role of Social Networks in the Political Participation of Young Women: Using Fundamental Theory Approach

Abstract

Virtual social network is a new generation of social media space that, although not very old, have been able to open their place in people's lives. Many people of different ages and from different social groups come together in virtual social networks and communicate from a far in the real world. The present study examines the political and managerial participation of young women compared to men in Gilan. This research is based on grounded theory method and with in-depth interviews of 30 male and female political and managerial activists in Guilan province. The results of the research show that social networks, especially Telegram, have played an effective role in political consultation of young women compared to other media in Iran. The difference between national media and social networks in presenting images of political participation of men and women as a condition for intervention in the paradigm of research has been investigated. The results showed that social networks have an effect on the political participation of young women. The findings of the present study can be used to moderate phenomena such as lack of equal organizational growth and its irreparable consequences on sustainable development, women's progress and self-confidence, as well as changing men's beliefs, and the loss of human capital and avoid exorbitant training costs.