The role of conservatism in women's participation in Türkiye's working life

Traditional society assigns different roles to men and women within the framework of religious, cultural and traditional values. The dependence of women and men on their gender roles is considered important in society. People who adopt their roles are accepted in society, while those who do not are ostracized and punished. Conservative thought blends religious values with the values of traditional society and supports individuals to act within this framework. In this study, gender roles are addressed and the extent to which conservative discourse affects women's participation in working life in Turkey is tried to be explained. This study examines the struggle of women, who are disadvantaged due to their gender, to participate and survive in working life with their conservative identity. This study aims to raise awareness about the solutions to the issue by addressing what needs to be done to eliminate the problems experienced in this direction by addressing the negative situations for women at every stage of working life when gender roles are combined with conservative thinking. In the study, qualitative research method is used and in-depth interviews are conducted with 14 women who define themselves as conservative living in various provinces of Turkey. It is determined that women who adhere to conservative thought, which is based on religious life and defends the necessity of traditional roles, are exposed to negativities at every stage of their participation in working life.