Shahid Beheshti University Tārīkh-i Īrān 2008-7357 16 2 2023 08 23 The Representation of the Ideal Woman in the Šokūfeh Magazine: A Comparative Study of the Role of Women in the Pre-constitutional and Constitutional Periods The Representation of the Ideal Woman in the Šokūfeh Magazine: A Comparative Study of the Role of Women in the Pre-constitutional and Constitutional Periods 45 68 104260 10.48308/irhj.2024.104260 FA Mahdi Rafati Assistant Professor, Department of Historical and Environmental Studies, The Organization for researching and composing university textbooks in the Islamic science and the humanities, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0003-1721-5991 Journal Article 2023 05 14 Abstract After the constitutional revolution, the activities of parties and newspapers expanded. consequently various articles were published with the aim of reforming the society. the issue of women was considered as one of the most important issues among the various ones, in such a way that some magazines devoted to it. As one of the women's magazines, Šokūfeh was trying to provide the possibility of improvement and promotion of their position and role. Using qualitative content analysis, this article intends to investigate the role of women in pre-constitutional Iran and express the characteristics of an ideal woman from the perspective of , Šokūfeh, and answer the question of what was the status of women in pre-constitutional Iran and With the constitutional revolution and the cultural and social changes of the society, what image of the ideal woman was presented in the constitutional publications, especially Shokoufeh magazine as a case study of this research? The results of the research show that the ideal image of an Iranian woman, on the one hand, had characteristics such as literacy, science, knowledge, perception, a critical look at issues, and on the other hand, had effective social action, including efforts to promote women's literacy, avoiding Blind imitation in the face of consumer culture, along with the acquisition of life literacy, including husbandry, cooking, tailoring, child rearing, from a theoretical and practical point of view.The ideal Iranian woman had all the characteristics that could introduce her as an effective activist in social, political, economic and family affairs. Keywords: Constitutional Newspapers, Šokūfeh, Ideal Woman, Ideal Type, Constitutional Revolution. Introduction During the years leading up to the Iranian Constitutional Revolution, increased interactions with western nations and the rise of progressive literature prompted Iranian society to critically analyze its political, social, economic, and cultural frameworks. Intellectuals like Malkom Khan, Mostashar al-Dawlah, Akhundzadeh, and Talebov used newspapers published both domestically and overseas to engage in a deep re-evaluation of these foundations. The constitutional revolution, which temporarily removed the absolute monarchy and led to the establishment of political parties, provincial assemblies, and the expansion of journalism, further intensified this process of critical inquiry. This resulted in the emergence of diverse perspectives on social, political, and economic issues. Among these perspectives, the status of women in society became a focal point of intellectual and social discourse, particularly within modernist movements. Various groups presented different ideas about women, their roles, and their position in society. Because the press acted as a link between the elite and the public, these ideas were often expressed and debated in newspapers. Therefore, an analysis of the press during the constitutional revolution can reveal the various ways in which Iranian society perceived women. One of the earliest women's publications, the Shukufeh newspaper, aimed to analyze the status of women in society and work towards improving their position and role. Through this article, we seek to explore the depiction of the ideal Iranian woman as envisioned by the Shukufeh newspaper during pre-constitutional Iran. Published bi-monthly and led by Maryam Amid, or Mazin al-Saltaneh, Shukofe was the second periodical in Iran dedicated solely to women's issues. Its first issue was released in Dhu al-Hijjah 1330 AH, and its final issue was published in Dhu al-Qa'dah 1334 AH. The mission of Shukofe was defined as a "moral, literary publication, focused on child health, housekeeping, childcare, and particularly dedicated to the education of young women and the refinement of female character, with a focus on girls' schools." The magazine used engaging and critical cartoons to convey its messages. The publication history of Shukofe can be divided into two phases. In the initial phase (issues 1-10), the magazine mainly addressed topics such as gender equality, women's education, the elimination of superstition, the importance of adhering to religious laws, and criticisms of societal decay. In its second phase, Shukofe came under the management of the "Hammat-e Khavatin" (Women's Diligence) Society, established by Ms. Nour al-Dinji, the general inspector of girls' schools. From this point onward, Shukofe adopted a more political tone, exploring issues like economic and social problems, the reasons for Iran's underdevelopment, the failures of officials, and foreign loans. Nevertheless, the magazine continued to focus primarily on girls' schools and women's education. Materials And Methods The examination of the constitutional press offers valuable insights into the position of women in society and the diverse perspectives surrounding this issue. Shokoofeh magazine, which was among the earliest women's publications, sought to elevate the status and influence of women while also analyzing their societal roles. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics attributed to the ideal Iranian woman as presented in Shokoofeh magazine. Furthermore, it seeks to assess critically the evolving roles of women in pre-constitutional Iran. This research holds great significance as it sheds light on how Iranian society underwent a thorough reevaluation of its social, cultural, and political components during the constitutional revolution, endeavoring to align with the emerging modernity. These efforts underscore the dynamism characterizing Iranian society during that period. The article endeavors to delve into the specifics of the ideal Iranian woman as portrayed by Shokoofeh magazine, particularly focusing on the attributes that empowered Iranian women to adapt to a changing world and assume more proactive roles in society. Thus, by employing qualitative content analysis as the framework, this study aims to elucidate the essential characteristics that an ideal women's magazine should embody. Results And discussion In Iran, before the constitution was established, women encountered significant societal and cultural limitations that restricted their involvement in public and political spheres. A male-dominated society confined women to subordinate roles, constraining them to domestic responsibilities and family caregiving. Despite these constraints, women actively engaged in religious events and charitable endeavors, forming connections outside their homes. Urban women had more opportunities for participation compared to their rural counterparts, but both groups aspired to have greater involvement in social, economic, and political matters. The increasing presence of Iranian women in public life caused international observers to rethink their perceptions of women's roles and encouraged women's engagement. However, women during the Qajar era faced significant challenges in accessing education. Before the constitutional revolution, girls' education primarily consisted of private tutoring or traditional schooling focused on religious studies and literature. The establishment of girls' schools and subsequent legal reforms facilitated women's pursuit of their social and individual rights. The constitutional revolution and the rise of new media, particularly newspapers, exposed Iranians to western ideas, leading to significant changes in social, political, and economic dynamics. Women's roles, rights, freedoms, and public visibility underwent a profound transformation. Newspapers played a crucial role in redefining women's identities and advocating for gender equality. Women emerged as educators, journalists, social advocates, and political representatives. Shukofe magazine played a crucial part in shaping the ideal Iranian woman. Its articles highlighted the significance of education, life skills, and social engagement, arguing that proper upbringing was fundamental for a virtuous and healthy society. The magazine emphasized the critical role of mothers in their daughters' upbringing and regarded the paternal home as a place for learning life skills. However, some articles perpetuated traditional gender roles by assigning specific domestic tasks to women. Other articles challenged these perspectives, aiming to reform traditional views on women. Shukofe asserted that societal norms rather than inherent differences determined gender roles. Drawing on Islamic teachings, the magazine rejected patriarchal perspectives and stressed the importance of mutual understanding between spouses. It posited that such understanding could prevent marital conflicts and foster harmony. The magazine also criticized patriarchal culture and advocated for gender equality in society. Shukofe underscored the significance of women's education and encouraged women to reject superstitions and irrational beliefs. It promoted practical life skills, such as cooking, sewing, and child rearing, as crucial for women's well-being. The magazine urged women to be self-reliant and contribute to the household economy. Shukofe stressed the importance of personal hygiene and modesty as essential qualities for women. The magazine promoted cleanliness and reverence for parents as virtues that could lead to happiness and success. Conclusion, The analysis of Shokoofeh magazine highlights the evolving perspective on women's issues following the constitutional revolution. The traditional view that downplayed the importance of women's education and participation in social and political spheres is now being questioned and redefined. This critical reassessment is not solely negative but also offers alternative perspectives. The new formulation, influenced by cultural exchange with other countries during the Qajar era, emphasizes women's literacy, knowledge, scientific prowess, understanding of contemporary issues, and active participation in social affairs based on the principle of gender equality. It also promotes distancing from superstitions, rational examination of religious and social matters, and a critical approach toward consumer culture, advocating the use of domestic products to bolster the country's economy. This new formulation delineates an ideal image of an Iranian woman characterized by literacy, scientific aptitude, critical thinking, and active social engagement. The ideal woman, as envisioned by Shokoofeh, is not only an activist in social, political, economic, and family matters but also embodies qualities such as health, life literacy, and the nurturing of a supportive domestic environment. According to an analysis, literacy, and knowledge are identified as the most crucial attributes of an ideal woman from Shokoofeh's perspective, followed by health and life literacy. Furthermore, approximately 30% of the publication's content is dedicated to articulating the characteristics of the ideal Iranian woman. Abstract After the constitutional revolution, the activities of parties and newspapers expanded. consequently various articles were published with the aim of reforming the society. the issue of women was considered as one of the most important issues among the various ones, in such a way that some magazines devoted to it. As one of the women's magazines, Šokūfeh was trying to provide the possibility of improvement and promotion of their position and role. Using qualitative content analysis, this article intends to investigate the role of women in pre-constitutional Iran and express the characteristics of an ideal woman from the perspective of , Šokūfeh, and answer the question of what was the status of women in pre-constitutional Iran and With the constitutional revolution and the cultural and social changes of the society, what image of the ideal woman was presented in the constitutional publications, especially Shokoufeh magazine as a case study of this research? The results of the research show that the ideal image of an Iranian woman, on the one hand, had characteristics such as literacy, science, knowledge, perception, a critical look at issues, and on the other hand, had effective social action, including efforts to promote women's literacy, avoiding Blind imitation in the face of consumer culture, along with the acquisition of life literacy, including husbandry, cooking, tailoring, child rearing, from a theoretical and practical point of view.The ideal Iranian woman had all the characteristics that could introduce her as an effective activist in social, political, economic and family affairs. Keywords: Constitutional Newspapers, Šokūfeh, Ideal Woman, Ideal Type, Constitutional Revolution. Introduction During the years leading up to the Iranian Constitutional Revolution, increased interactions with western nations and the rise of progressive literature prompted Iranian society to critically analyze its political, social, economic, and cultural frameworks. Intellectuals like Malkom Khan, Mostashar al-Dawlah, Akhundzadeh, and Talebov used newspapers published both domestically and overseas to engage in a deep re-evaluation of these foundations. The constitutional revolution, which temporarily removed the absolute monarchy and led to the establishment of political parties, provincial assemblies, and the expansion of journalism, further intensified this process of critical inquiry. This resulted in the emergence of diverse perspectives on social, political, and economic issues. Among these perspectives, the status of women in society became a focal point of intellectual and social discourse, particularly within modernist movements. Various groups presented different ideas about women, their roles, and their position in society. Because the press acted as a link between the elite and the public, these ideas were often expressed and debated in newspapers. Therefore, an analysis of the press during the constitutional revolution can reveal the various ways in which Iranian society perceived women. One of the earliest women's publications, the Shukufeh newspaper, aimed to analyze the status of women in society and work towards improving their position and role. Through this article, we seek to explore the depiction of the ideal Iranian woman as envisioned by the Shukufeh newspaper during pre-constitutional Iran. Published bi-monthly and led by Maryam Amid, or Mazin al-Saltaneh, Shukofe was the second periodical in Iran dedicated solely to women's issues. Its first issue was released in Dhu al-Hijjah 1330 AH, and its final issue was published in Dhu al-Qa'dah 1334 AH. The mission of Shukofe was defined as a "moral, literary publication, focused on child health, housekeeping, childcare, and particularly dedicated to the education of young women and the refinement of female character, with a focus on girls' schools." The magazine used engaging and critical cartoons to convey its messages. The publication history of Shukofe can be divided into two phases. In the initial phase (issues 1-10), the magazine mainly addressed topics such as gender equality, women's education, the elimination of superstition, the importance of adhering to religious laws, and criticisms of societal decay. In its second phase, Shukofe came under the management of the "Hammat-e Khavatin" (Women's Diligence) Society, established by Ms. Nour al-Dinji, the general inspector of girls' schools. From this point onward, Shukofe adopted a more political tone, exploring issues like economic and social problems, the reasons for Iran's underdevelopment, the failures of officials, and foreign loans. Nevertheless, the magazine continued to focus primarily on girls' schools and women's education. Materials And Methods The examination of the constitutional press offers valuable insights into the position of women in society and the diverse perspectives surrounding this issue. Shokoofeh magazine, which was among the earliest women's publications, sought to elevate the status and influence of women while also analyzing their societal roles. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics attributed to the ideal Iranian woman as presented in Shokoofeh magazine. Furthermore, it seeks to assess critically the evolving roles of women in pre-constitutional Iran. This research holds great significance as it sheds light on how Iranian society underwent a thorough reevaluation of its social, cultural, and political components during the constitutional revolution, endeavoring to align with the emerging modernity. These efforts underscore the dynamism characterizing Iranian society during that period. The article endeavors to delve into the specifics of the ideal Iranian woman as portrayed by Shokoofeh magazine, particularly focusing on the attributes that empowered Iranian women to adapt to a changing world and assume more proactive roles in society. Thus, by employing qualitative content analysis as the framework, this study aims to elucidate the essential characteristics that an ideal women's magazine should embody. Results And discussion In Iran, before the constitution was established, women encountered significant societal and cultural limitations that restricted their involvement in public and political spheres. A male-dominated society confined women to subordinate roles, constraining them to domestic responsibilities and family caregiving. Despite these constraints, women actively engaged in religious events and charitable endeavors, forming connections outside their homes. Urban women had more opportunities for participation compared to their rural counterparts, but both groups aspired to have greater involvement in social, economic, and political matters. The increasing presence of Iranian women in public life caused international observers to rethink their perceptions of women's roles and encouraged women's engagement. However, women during the Qajar era faced significant challenges in accessing education. Before the constitutional revolution, girls' education primarily consisted of private tutoring or traditional schooling focused on religious studies and literature. The establishment of girls' schools and subsequent legal reforms facilitated women's pursuit of their social and individual rights. The constitutional revolution and the rise of new media, particularly newspapers, exposed Iranians to western ideas, leading to significant changes in social, political, and economic dynamics. Women's roles, rights, freedoms, and public visibility underwent a profound transformation. Newspapers played a crucial role in redefining women's identities and advocating for gender equality. Women emerged as educators, journalists, social advocates, and political representatives. Shukofe magazine played a crucial part in shaping the ideal Iranian woman. Its articles highlighted the significance of education, life skills, and social engagement, arguing that proper upbringing was fundamental for a virtuous and healthy society. The magazine emphasized the critical role of mothers in their daughters' upbringing and regarded the paternal home as a place for learning life skills. However, some articles perpetuated traditional gender roles by assigning specific domestic tasks to women. Other articles challenged these perspectives, aiming to reform traditional views on women. Shukofe asserted that societal norms rather than inherent differences determined gender roles. Drawing on Islamic teachings, the magazine rejected patriarchal perspectives and stressed the importance of mutual understanding between spouses. It posited that such understanding could prevent marital conflicts and foster harmony. The magazine also criticized patriarchal culture and advocated for gender equality in society. Shukofe underscored the significance of women's education and encouraged women to reject superstitions and irrational beliefs. It promoted practical life skills, such as cooking, sewing, and child rearing, as crucial for women's well-being. The magazine urged women to be self-reliant and contribute to the household economy. Shukofe stressed the importance of personal hygiene and modesty as essential qualities for women. The magazine promoted cleanliness and reverence for parents as virtues that could lead to happiness and success. Conclusion, The analysis of Shokoofeh magazine highlights the evolving perspective on women's issues following the constitutional revolution. The traditional view that downplayed the importance of women's education and participation in social and political spheres is now being questioned and redefined. This critical reassessment is not solely negative but also offers alternative perspectives. The new formulation, influenced by cultural exchange with other countries during the Qajar era, emphasizes women's literacy, knowledge, scientific prowess, understanding of contemporary issues, and active participation in social affairs based on the principle of gender equality. It also promotes distancing from superstitions, rational examination of religious and social matters, and a critical approach toward consumer culture, advocating the use of domestic products to bolster the country's economy. This new formulation delineates an ideal image of an Iranian woman characterized by literacy, scientific aptitude, critical thinking, and active social engagement. The ideal woman, as envisioned by Shokoofeh, is not only an activist in social, political, economic, and family matters but also embodies qualities such as health, life literacy, and the nurturing of a supportive domestic environment. According to an analysis, literacy, and knowledge are identified as the most crucial attributes of an ideal woman from Shokoofeh's perspective, followed by health and life literacy. Furthermore, approximately 30% of the publication's content is dedicated to articulating the characteristics of the ideal Iranian woman.

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