INDETERMINACY AND VOLATILITY OF EXCHANGE RATES UNDER IMPERFECT CURRENCY SUBSTITUTION

We know that when currencies are perfect substitutes, exchange rates could become indeterminate. We show that even when currencies are less than perfect substitutes exchange rates could display volatility unrelated to economic fundamentals. With increases in currency substitution: (1) the exchange rate becomes more sensitive to changes in economic fundamentals, increasing its volatility; (2) the exchange rate could become indeterminate, and it is more likely to become so if governments pursue similar monetary policies; (3) currencies with high nominal interest rates would decline significantly and the exchange rate becomes more sensitive to changes in the supply of those currencies.     

HIV prevention barriers in transgender women: a qualitative study

Abstract

Sexual contact is still one of the most important routes of HIV transmission. The aim of this study was identify the factors that underlie the higher prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors in a sample of transgender women in Iran. The qualitative study used face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews in a sample of 15 transgender women. Our participants used sexual practices as a way to be approved/accepted as a woman. Using sex for this purpose led them to engage in high-risk sexual relationships. It is essential to consider these issues in consulting and education about high-risk behaviors.     

Predictors of Life Satisfaction among Urban Iranian Women: An Exploratory Analysis

This paper explores life satisfaction among married and unmarried Iranian women in urban areas. Data is analyzed from a sample of 335 women of which 61% are married and 39% are unmarried (i.e., single, divorced, or widows). Data is collected through the use of self-reported questionnaires administered during 1992 and 1994. A series of path analysis and cross tabulations suggest that for married women life satisfaction is directly linked to their satisfaction with marriage, employment, and their leisure experiences. There is an inverse relationship between satisfaction and the women's activity, however. For unmarried women, satisfaction is affected by their leisure experiences and educational level. The study suggests that any effort to reduce or increase the educational, employment, or leisure activities of women will directly affect women's general satisfaction and therefore affect Iranian society as a whole.     

How a Divorcee’s Sexual Life Is Socially Constructed and Understood in the Iranian Culture

Sexual well-being is an important factor in postdivorce adjustment and presents various challenges for divorced women in Iran. With an alarming number of marriages ending in divorce in Iran, the postdivorce sexuality adjustment process has become a major concern. Meanings attached to the sexuality of a divorcee necessitate different adjustment and coping strategies among women. How these meanings are generated, negotiated, and modified in Iranian contexts has yet to be explored. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze the extensive, rich data obtained through sustained interaction with the informants as well as through in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. “Sociosexual problems” was found to be one of the main domains in our study. Participants experienced a negative impact from divorce on their sexual lives, including sexual interactions. Social isolation and social exclusion resulted from the avoidance of stereotypic interactions and were often a consequence of difficulties with concealment of sexual needs due to stigma. Women discussed a range of negative experiences arising in response to their sexual needs in postdivorce life. The analysis revealed the complexities of gendered postdivorce sexual trajectories. Based on the findings, articulating a sexual health model specific for divorced women seems important.     

Competencies of disabled entrepreneurs in Iran: implications for learning and development

This qualitative research set out to explore competencies of disabled entrepreneurs by presenting their lived experiences in developing their capabilities to create and manage their own business. The research also aimed to identify the dimensions and components of entrepreneurial competencies of disabled entrepreneurs. The participants were 16 entrepreneurs with physical and mobility disabilities, four educational managers of disabled vocational education and rehabilitation centers, and four entrepreneurship academics. Our findings suggested that the disabled entrepreneurs possess specific personal and functional entrepreneurial competencies. Personal competencies include attitudinal competencies, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurship learning self-efficacy. Functional competencies encompass entrepreneurial competencies, commitment and social competencies.     

Are Iranians Happy? A Comparative Study Between Iran and the United States

This study is based on a survey of 544 respondents in 1995 and 1055respondent in 1997 from Tehran, Iran. It measures the degree ofhappiness among Iranians across gender, income, age, and educationallevels. By drawing on satisfaction with various dimensions of life,the study also explores the correlates of happiness and comparesthem with the 1994 GSS survey of Americans.