Gender ideology and motherhood: The experiences of women undergoing infertility treatment

In societies where the role of motherhood is positioned at the core of female identity, the experience of infertility constitutes a profound psychosocial challenge for women. This study aims to develop an original theoretical model by deeply exploring the motherhood experiences of women undergoing infertility treatment within the context of gender ideology. A qualitative research design was adopted, utilizing a constructivist grounded theory approach. In this context, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 women diagnosed with primary infertility, representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants were selected through theoretical sampling, and data collection followed grounded theory principles with a theoretical sampling strategy. The collected data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding techniques. Data analysis and sampling proceeded simultaneously until conceptual saturation was achieved. The analysis yielded a core category and seven main themes reflecting the multifaceted experiences of participants during the infertility process. These themes encompass a wide range of issues, including societal gender roles and the pressure of motherhood, social stigma and loneliness, conflicts related to body image, marital tensions, challenges stemming from the medicalization of the female body, uncertainty, and emotional coping strategies. Additionally, the theme of reconstructing female identity reveals how the infertility experience transforms women's self-perceptions and identities. The findings demonstrate that infertility is not merely a biomedical condition but a complex life experience embedded within patriarchal norms, cultural expectations, and psychosocial challenges. Throughout this process, women continuously negotiate between societal expectations and their subjective realities, reshaping their definitions of womanhood. By approaching infertility from a sociocultural perspective, this research contributes a unique field study to the literature and enhances understanding of the multifaceted difficulties faced by women. It also provides valuable insights for developing more inclusive and sensitive approaches in both academic and practical contexts. Keywords: Gender, motherhood, female identity, infertility, patriarchy, reproductive technologies, body, grounded theory