Abstract

The weaker sex, the Devil, disloyal, incomplete wisdom and creation; these are some descriptions of women in Iran folklore. In this article, we investigate the origins of these unfair beliefs. First, we assume that religion plays a significant role in the formation of many beliefs that are prevalent in each society. Beside religion, other determinative factors i.e. social values, folklore, culture, politics and economy are precisely studied. Finally, we illustrate how these factors have remarkably degraded the women’s status in the society of Iran. However, all the factors, including religion, have been affected by the system in which men are the premier power. We will demonstrate this theory through study of the women’s actions, and status, in the era of matriarchy and their roles in the constitutional revolution of Iran. In order to change the status of women in Iran, we postulate that the attitudes of men and women towards each other need to be moderated and equal opportunities for men and women be made in all aspects of the society.