The Effect of Social Networks on Women's Political Participation; Case Study of ClubHouse

Behestani, Majid; Fazelzadeh, Ahmad

doi:10.22059/jcss.2024.375367.1103

The Effect of Social Networks on Women's Political Participation; Case Study of ClubHouse

Document Type : Original article

Authors

Majid Behestani

Ahmad Fazelzadeh

Department of History of Islamic Revolution, Faculty of Cultural Studies, Comprehensive University of Imam Hussein, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/jcss.2024.375367.1103

Abstract

Background: A key claim and fundamental assumption of feminist thought is that many traits commonly perceived as female are not inherent or genetically determined, but are instead products of historical and social conditioning. This perspective argues that even in contemporary societies, persistent anti-female stereotypes limit women’s ability to fully exercise their rights. For instance, the historical exclusion of women from political life, potentially driven by male power dynamics, has fostered the misconception that women lack interest in political engagement.
Aims: This research seeks to investigate this hypothesis: does Internet-based social networks help to increase women's political participation?
Methodology: Employing a qualitative approach, this study synthesizes data from diverse sources– including case study of Clubhouse, and peer-reviewed academic literature– to explore to what extent are women interested in political action under free and equal conditions? To this end, we selected the Clubhouse platform. We then monitored and analyzed women’s behavior before and after a sensitive national political event, the 2021 (1400 AH) presidential election.
Findings: The findings indicated that, contrary to our initial hypothesis, the Clubhouse platform’s open environment did not significantly enhance women’s political participation or stimulate greater interest in political topics. Women largely remained engaged with content related to entertainment, family life, cooking, and music.
Conclusions: This viewpoint aligns with the tendency to view gender-related issues as stemming from inherent, natural differences rather than socio-historical constructs.

Keywords

ClubHouse

gender identity

political action

political participation

social networks

women

Subjects

humanities & social sciences

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