Analyzing the relationship between the security of urban spaces and women's lifestyle in informal settlements of Tabriz (Case study: Ahmadabad neighborhood)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Postdoctoral student of Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tarbiat Dabir Shahid Rajaei University, Tehran, Iran.

2 MSc Student, Faculty of Architecture, Rashidiyeh Non-Profit University, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Master's degree student in Architecture, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz., Iran.

10.22034/sls.2026.66493.1508

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between urban space security and women's lifestyles in informal settlements in Tabriz (Case Study: Ahmadabad Neighborhood). Given that urban security is a key factor influencing women's quality of life and social participation, this research examines the social, physical, and economic dimensions of urban security from the perspective of women living in this area. A qualitative research method based on inductive content analysis was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with women residents and urban planning experts and analyzed using ATLAS.ti software for coding and thematic interpretation. Findings indicate that weak social surveillance, inadequate urban infrastructure, poor street lighting, and economic insecurity directly contribute to reduced social mobility, lower economic participation, and decreased presence of women in public spaces. Additionally, fear of crime, lack of safe pedestrian routes, and the absence of designated spaces for women have pushed their lifestyle towards greater isolation and reliance on enclosed environments. This study highlights the urgent need for urban policy reforms to enhance women's security, improve social surveillance, design safer pathways, and create sustainable economic opportunities. The findings suggest that improving urban security in informal settlements can significantly increase women's social engagement and overall quality of life.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Sociology of Lifestyle (SLS)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 January 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 January 2026
  • Publish Date: 13 January 2026

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