University of Tehran Public Law Studies Quarterly 2423-8120 55 3 2025 09 23 Examining the Scope and Context of Governance of the Family Institution in Iran Based on Concepts in the Constitution Examining the Scope and Context of Governance of the Family Institution in Iran Based on Concepts in the Constitution 1729 1757 103708 10.22059/jplsq.2025.375977.3528 FA Fatemeh Gharehchamani PhD student of the Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Zeynodini Assistant Professor, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2024 05 19 While state intervention in various aspects of governance and citizens' lives is often seen as essential in modern societies, the scope and legitimacy of such interventions continue to be subjects of reflection and debate. In the realm of family, the extent and nature of governmental involvement—whether restrictive or supportive—are particularly significant. Within the framework of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the concepts of Velayat (Guardianship) and Imamate (Leadership), both rooted in the principles of obedience and compliance, coexist with the broader concept of sovereignty. This paper explores how the Constitution authorizes the Islamic government to engage with family affairs and whether such engagement is framed under the titles of Velayat, Imamate, or Sovereignty. It also examines the practical implications of each conceptual framework for family-related policymaking and the tools they provide to legislators and policymakers in addressing family challenges. Ultimately, the study reveals that policymakers, depending on whether they adopt a perspective grounded in Velayat, Imamate, or Sovereignty, propose divergent strategies and responses to emerging issues within the family institution. This divergence has occasionally led to inconsistencies and a lack of unified approaches in legislative and executive actions related to family matters. While state intervention in various aspects of governance and citizens' lives is often seen as essential in modern societies, the scope and legitimacy of such interventions continue to be subjects of reflection and debate. In the realm of family, the extent and nature of governmental involvement—whether restrictive or supportive—are particularly significant. Within the framework of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the concepts of Velayat (Guardianship) and Imamate (Leadership), both rooted in the principles of obedience and compliance, coexist with the broader concept of sovereignty. This paper explores how the Constitution authorizes the Islamic government to engage with family affairs and whether such engagement is framed under the titles of Velayat, Imamate, or Sovereignty. It also examines the practical implications of each conceptual framework for family-related policymaking and the tools they provide to legislators and policymakers in addressing family challenges. Ultimately, the study reveals that policymakers, depending on whether they adopt a perspective grounded in Velayat, Imamate, or Sovereignty, propose divergent strategies and responses to emerging issues within the family institution. This divergence has occasionally led to inconsistencies and a lack of unified approaches in legislative and executive actions related to family matters. https://jplsq.ut.ac.ir/article_103708_6b992d12238ff7af1c28f868142c6535.pdf