Misogyny and intergenerational differences: A qualitative study

Misogyny is a punitive mechanism that ensures the discipline of women who violate the gender norms and expectations of the patriarchal system. Rooted deep in history and continuing today in various forms, the issue of misogyny has persisted across generations, evolving in different forms as societies became stratified and institutionalized inequalities emerged. Although there is a substantial body of academic research on gender, sexism, violence against women, and gender issues, studies specifically focusing on misogyny in Turkey remain insufficient. The aim of this study is to reveal the perceptions and thought structures regarding "misogyny" among members of Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z living in Turkey, and to identify intergenerational differences. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals from Generations X, Y, and Z, and the obtained data were analyzed through thematic analysis. According to the results of the study, four main themes emerged: "Meanings Attributed to the Concept of Misogyny," "Traces of Misogyny in Society," "Intergenerational Transmission and Causes of Misogyny," and "Misogyny in Emotional Relationships." Although the meanings attributed to misogyny vary across generations, they form a common ground of consciousness. Participants evaluated the causes of misogyny from both societal and individual perspectives, with the majority emphasizing that it is a socially rooted phenomenon. Participants believed that misogyny varies across generations and is transmitted from one to the next while undergoing transformations. The findings indicated that this phenomenon manifests in emotional relationships as a result of both individual learning and the internalization of patriarchal behavior patterns through family and past relationship experiences.