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Abstract
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The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social distancing requirements dramatically changed daily
life, with distinct effects on housewives due to their traditional family roles. This study examined
how housewives experienced social distancing policies and their trust in government actions
during the early stages of the pandemic. Using a phenomenological approach, we conducted
virtual focus group interviews through social media with 12 married housewives in Tabriz.
Participants were selected through snowball sampling, with 5–8 individuals per session for
effective group management. We analyzed the WhatsApp interviews, conducted from mid to late
April 2022, using the seven-step Claisie method. The findings revealed that socio-economic
pressures from the pandemic increased household tensions, particularly through verbal and
nonverbal conflicts. Key challenges included adapting to virtual family communication instead of
face-to-face interaction, dealing with anxiety about pandemic uncertainties, managing children’s
education, coping with family members’ job losses, handling reduced household income, and
taking on additional unpaid work. Participants also expressed skepticism toward official statistics,
news reports, and government statements about controlling the pandemic. Other significant issues
included changes in recreational activities, modifications to social ceremonies, a sense of
personal insecurity, and declining trust in institutions.
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