Decline status of Iranian women after Islamic revolutionCompare self-esteem, happiness Anda viewpoint about family aspects of Iranian and Spanish female graduate students

Resumen

Women are an important part in each society. One of the psychological needs of an individual is Happiness which has a positive relation with marital satisfaction and self-esteem. Previous studies showed the relationship between Gender violence and gender inequality with happiness, self-esteem, and marital satisfaction. There is an awarenessraising regarding happiness and life satisfaction among legislators. Laws and policies globally play an important role in eliminating discrimination against women and empower them which leads to higher wellbeing. The aim of this study is to compare the level of marital satisfaction, self- esteem, happiness, of female Spanish and Iranian students. In addition, the effects of both legal systems on women's wellbeing have been studied. This study has two methodologies, firstly, the psychological approach which determines and compares the levels of self-esteem, marital (couple) satisfaction and happiness of the female participants and secondly, the comparative legal approach which uses the Historical methodology that reviews historical events in which had a direct impact on amendments of laws regarding gender based-violence, gender inequality and women’s rights in Iran and Spain. The research design is a social comparative and cross-sectional study. The participants of the study are 230 Iranian and 230 Spanish female students who were studying in the University of Alcala,Yasuj University of Medical Sceinces and Yasuj University. Psychological findings revealed that Spanish participants have a higher percentage of happiness. However, Iranian participants have a slightly higher percentage of self-esteem and marital satisfaction than the Spanish ones. The legal part of the research found out that despite the principle of the Iranian constitution, there are barriers that in practice make it impossible to achieve equality, and lead to discrimination against women. While the Spanish legal system treats women and men equally and there are various plans, agreements, and strategies for promoting gender equality and combating gender violence. Although results did not confirm the relationship between law, self-esteem and marital satisfaction, the study did, however, find a direct relationship between law and happiness.