Attitudes and expectations of women towards military career in Turkey

This study qualitatively analyzes the attitudes, perceptions, and expectations of young women aged 18-21 in Turkey who have initiatives and plans for a military career, revealing the dynamic conflict between traditional barriers and the desire for modern professionalization in this career path. Analyses conducted using qualitative data analysis software revealed that women view military service not merely as an economic endeavor, but as a symbolic field of honor providing patriotism, social status, and individual empowerment. However, these idealistic motivations are met with significant sociological obstacles such as the perception of it as a male profession, societal prejudices, and the need to balance family life. While media representations and successful female role models appear to have a normalizing effect on interest in the profession, participants exhibit cautious optimism about the future and emphasize the necessity of merit-based, transparent, and gender-equal structural reforms to increase the presence of women in the military. In conclusion, this study shows that women's interest in military careers in Turkey is increasingly shifting towards a rational and professional basis. However, for this interest to translate into sustainable employment, legal regulations alone are insufficient; cultural codes and institutional image must be rebuilt on a merit-based foundation. Keywords: Military Service, Expectation, Women, Career, Attitude.