Journal of Lifestyle

Journal of Lifestyle

Lifestyle as a Sphere of Empowerment: Explaining Transformations in Women's Lifestyle Based on Kabeer's Empowerment Model

Document Type : Scientific research

Authors
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Research Institute of Hawzah and University, Qom, Iran. Corresponding Author.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Research Institute of Hawzah and University, Qom, Iran.
Abstract
The present study examines the concept of women's empowerment and its role in transformations in lifestyle. To this end, Kabeer's Empowerment Model (1999), recognized as one of the most comprehensive approaches to women's empowerment, was selected, and transformations in lifestyle were examined in relation to the model using a documentary–analytical research method. Data were collected through the review of documents, including library resources, journal articles, theses, and online databases. The findings indicated that transformations in women's lifestyle are realized through the dynamic interaction of the three dimensions of resources, agency, and achievements. Access to material resources alters patterns of consumption and lifestyle, whereas informed human resources lead to more informed choices. Social resources also provide women with access to new opportunities. Moreover, the exercise of different forms of agency makes a substantial contribution to these transformations. Specifically, Passive agency is manifested in the form of covert resistance to restrictive norms, active agency is reflected in independent decision-making regarding lifestyle choices, and transformative agency leads to changes in restrictive structures. The achievements resulting from women's empowerment, in turn, bring about transformations across different domains of lifestyle. Empowerment at the individual level enhances women's self-confidence in making better choices. Women's empowerment within the family leads to changes in decision-making patterns, child-rearing, and spousal interaction, while the social achievements of empowerment increase their participation in the public sphere.
Keywords
Subjects

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  • Receive Date 09 November 2025
  • Revise Date 23 November 2025
  • Accept Date 09 February 2026