A Study on Social Hope: A Grounded Theory Research

The present study aims to use the interpretive approach to investigate “social hope” from an emic point of view among Isfahan city residents. The research method is qualitative which uses grounded theory strategy. Based on the purposeful sampling method (Successive Theoretical Sampling) 20 people up to 15 years old participated in the present study and their interpretations of social hope were investigated, using the semi-structured interview. Research findings based on using grounded theory method includes seven main categories: Targeting (means identifying a point as an aim and existing a will to reach the goal), having wishes (desire, interest, and passion for reaching the goal), Responsibility (acting as one’s ability and taking the responsibility of achieving the goal), Desire to progress (the desire to improve conditions and promoting current situation), endeavor (stepping toward the goal and finding new ways in case of failure) and planning (having a plan and a practical map and a plan to reach the identified goal). Core category is the “desire to change” which encompasses other sub-categories. Final grounded theory model is presented in a paradigmatic model including situation, interactions, and consequences.