Public Law Studies Quarterly

Examining the Scope and Context of Governance of the Family Institution in Iran Based on Concepts in the Constitution

Document Type : Article

Authors

Fatemeh Gharehchamani 1
Fatemeh Zeynodini 2

1 PhD student of the Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2025.375977.3528
Abstract
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.

Keywords

family governance
constitution
legislation
family institution
velayat
imamate
sovereignty
Subjects

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Public Law Studies Quarterly
Volume 55, Issue 3 - Serial Number 43
Autumn 2025
Autumn 2025
Pages 1729-1757

  • Receive Date 19 May 2024
  • Revise Date 21 February 2025
  • Accept Date 05 May 2025

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