From Atatürk to Erdoğan: Women in modern Turkey

Abstract

The focus of this chapter is the status of women in Turkey with reference to gender gap differences based on cultural constructs. After recounting the historical context of gender and culture in Turkey, the chapter delves into the status of Turkish women through qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews with 16 working women from cities in three regions of Turkey and from different levels of socioeconomic status. The study explores the status of women in twenty-first century Turkey as it relates to gender equality in the work place. The results were discussed under the following themes: family values and roles, work–family balance, opportunities and challenges in work life, and perceptions about being a woman in Turkey. The findings of the research point to their dissatisfaction with work life and their standing in Turkish society. This qualitative study, which draws from the personal experiences, perspectives, and considered opinions about issues important to these respondents, should add to the current knowledge about working women