Migration and the transformation of gender and parenting roles: Syrian and Afghan women in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey had recently received 4 million Afghan and Syrian immigrants. Women and men have different experiences of immigration due to their gender roles, immigration has become increasingly feminized. The transformation of societal gender roles of Syrian and Afghan women who immigrated to Turkey is investigated with the help of Mezirow's transformative learning theory. Twelve semi-structured interviews conducted with participants aged 29 to 53 suggest that immigration impacts the traditional gender roles for women from patriarchal societies. Women have built a new identity through empowerment and emancipation thanks by simply getting out of the house, participating in public life, attending activities and courses, shopping, and dropping their children off at school.