Sociological evaluation of work life behaviors of women with children: The case of Niğde

The institution of family and women have undergone numerous changes throughout the historical process, and women have become an important component of the contemporary society, particularly in the realm of employment. In this context, the participation of working mothers in productive activities outside the household has emerged as a new problem area in both the micro-level of the family institution and the macro-level of the social structure. The challenges faced by working mothers, distinct from their colleagues, are often associated with fertility and having children. The relationship between work and family directly affects the mother's job and herself, making it highly significant. This study was designed using a qualitative research method, specifically the phenomenological approach. It should be noted that although each theory addressed within the study sheds light on the research, the study is modeled within the framework of qualitative phenomenological theory, emphasizing its theoretical openness. The sample of the research consisted of 15 mothers who had a minimum of 2 years of work experience in the Niğde province of Turkey. Semi-structured interviews comprising 18 questions were conducted with employed mothers to understand their views and thoughts regarding family and work life, using their own expressions. Based on the research findings, main themes were identified, and descriptive analyses focusing on these themes were conducted. The data analysis was performed using the method of open coding, which allowed for the identification of common patterns and the derivation of inferences. The obtained data clearly emphasize the challenges and emotional experiences of working mothers in the public sector. Among the significant findings of the study are the inability of working mothers to spend sufficient time with their children, difficulties in obtaining leave requests at the workplace, and the necessity of developing government policies. These findings vividly portray the challenges and emotional experiences faced by working mothers in the public sector. It is believed that the study will contribute to the sociological literature and help identify appropriate interventions for women who are both working and raising children.