Author(s) :

Irmak Bilici.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Patriarchy refers to a social system in which positions of power and authority are primarily held by men. In Turkey, patriarchal structures continue to shape gender expectations, often reinforcing women’s association with domestic responsibilities. These norms are frequently linked to women’s biological role as birth‑givers, which has historically tied them to caregiving and household duties, although their roots are not yet fully explained. This systematic review aims to understand how patriarchal structures and gender roles in Turkish society affect women’s psychological and behavioral development and their participation in the labor force. Open access articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2008 and 2025 were searched on Google Scholar. A total of 10 eligible studies (6 in English, 4 in Turkish) were included in the current review. Findings revealed five thematic categories affecting women’s development and potentially workforce participation: (1) Traditional Gendered Domestic Roles in a Patriarchal Society, (2) The Religious Influence of Islam, (3) Social and Structural Barriers to Workplace Participation, (4) The Role of Education and (5) Psychological and Emotional Impacts of Patriarchal Conditioning. Overall, the literature indicates that entrenched gender norms, institutional gaps, and weak policies sustain Turkey’s patriarchal structures. Key barriers to women’s workforce participation include inadequate employment laws, childcare demands for young children, and expectations of domestic roles. Education consistently emerges as the strongest driver of women’s labor force participation.