In the shadow of gender: Wives of prisoners in Turkey

ABSTRACT Imprisonment of men can many negative economic, social and psychological effects on prisoners, their spouses and children. It is important to evaluate these and understand the gender-related experiences of wives of prisoners. So, we conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 14 women in Turkey. We used an inductive content analysis approach and identified four relevant themes as follows: (1) women’s roles (as spouse, mother and social beings), (2) poverty, (3) stigma and exclusion, and (4) coping mechanisms. We noted that our respondents faced economic problems, difficulties in raising children, social exclusion, and emotional difficulties. In Turkey, gender norms and insufficient policies and services for such women exacerbate such issues. It is therefore important to develop gender-sensitive services that would empower and support them.