Divorce experiences from the perspective of divorced women in thecontext of gender: the case of şanliurfa

This master's thesis aims to examine the effects of gender on divorce processes under the context of "Divorce Experiences from the Perspective of Divorced Women in the Context of Gender: The Case of Şanlıurfa." Divorce, signifying the termination of the institution of marriage in modern societies, is influenced by a wide spectrum of gender norms, affecting decisions leading to divorce and the subsequent experiences on both individual and societal levels. The core objective of this study is to analyze divorce processes through a gender lens and, specifically, to understand women's experiences within these processes. The case of Şanlıurfa, located in the southeastern region of Turkey, is chosen as a rich source of data due to its culturally and socially diverse landscape. Divorce incidents occurring in this region offer a rich data source to comprehend both gender norms and women's experiences during divorce processes. Literature review forms the foundational basis to comprehend the implications of gender on divorce processes. The impacts of gender roles, expectations, and societal norms on the causes and outcomes of divorce are comprehensively investigated. A qualitative research approach was chosen as the research methodology, and in-depth interviews were conducted with divorced women in Şanlıurfa. These interviews hold critical importance in understanding the challenges, motivations, and societal influences that women encounter during divorce processes. The findings of this study will unveil the societal pressures, economic constraints, and emotional experiences faced by women during divorce processes. The profound role of gender norms in influencing factors determining women's decisions to divorce and shaping their subsequent lives has been deeply analyzed. The discussion delves into how the findings can contribute to gender equality initiatives and shed light on policy recommendations in this field. In conclusion, this thesis provides a significant contribution to the understanding of the causes of divorce and the role of women within the context of gender. The Şanlıurfa case offers valuable insights into Turkey's gender dynamics. The study has the potential to offer new perspectives on combating gender inequality and reevaluating societal norms.