The flag-bearers of change in a patriarchal Muslim society: Narratives of Iranian solo female travelers on Instagram

Nikjoo, Adel; Markwell, Kevin; Nikbin, Mohanna; Hernández-Lara, Ana B.

Abstract:

This paper examines the travel experiences of Iranian solo female travelers through an analysis of their Instagram posts. While there is a growing body of literature on solo female travelers, few studies involve women from Asian or Middle Eastern countries. In the case of the Iranian women who are the focus of this study, our analysis identified three main themes: meaning-making; power and empowerment; and facilitation of self-awareness and transformation. We argue that traveling solo is a form of active resistance against Iranian gender relations that creates opportunities for the women to overcome personal fears and logistical challenges. The act of writing up their experiences in their Instagram posts involves self-reflection and such critical analysis allows for greater levels of awareness of self that may then lead to self-transformation.

Year:

2021

Type of Publication:

Article

Keywords:

Iranian women; solo travelers; Travel as transformation; Women empowerment; Instagram

Journal:

Tourism Management Perspectives

Volume:

38

Number:

April 2021

Pages:

100817

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2021.100817