The Experiences of Iranian Middle and Lower Class Living in Inflationary Conditions

One of the most important economic problems in Iran is inflation. The aim of this study was to explore the social consequences of inflation in the lives of middle-class and lower-class people. Some of the questions addressed in this study are: how do participants experience inflation? How do they make a living? What problems are they facing? what are the consequences of inflation for participants? We used a constructivist qualitative approach and grounded theory method. Participants were sampled purposively with different social groups. A total of 27 interviews with participants who belong to the middle-class and lower-class in three cities in Iran in Isfahan, Yazd and Tehran were performed. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews. The interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory coding. After analyzing the data, 8 main categories were explored which include: Limitations in relationships, Mental Threat, Frustration, make ends meet, Early Adulthood, Family quarrel, profit-making and Anomy. According to the results, participants are in a bad situation in terms of economy. Inflation and financial problems have had the pervasive impact on the people, especially those who have had a steady and low income.