Sugar relationships, defined as contractual arrangements between older individuals (sugar daddies or mommies) and younger counterparts (sugar babies), often involve financial support in exchange for companionship. This study explores the dynamics of sugar relationships from the perspective of sugar babies in Tehran, Iran. A qualitative methodology utilising content analysis was employed. Participants were recruited via purposive snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews conducted with twelve sugar babies (six women and six men) between September 2023 to February 2024. Data analysis was informed by Granheim and Lundman's inductive content analysis method and resulted in the identification of three major themes (1) reflections on experience: motivations and personal journeys, which describes the motivations and experiences of sugar babies; (2) seeking greater satisfaction with fewer responsibilities, detailing sugar babies definitions of their relationships; and (3) sugar relationships as conflicting experiences, addressing societal judgements and the internal conflicts faced by sugar babies. Findings revealed that participants engage in these relationships to enhance personal satisfaction and seek a less burdensome path in life. Sugar relationships are consensual arrangements often involving financial transactions and sexual activities, challenging traditional perceptions and positioning themselves as a new form of sex work.
Keywords: Iran; Sugar relationships; sugar baby; sugar daddy; sugar mommy.