Men Claim Authority, Women Demand Equality: The Great Gender Divide in Turkish Families

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — DEC 16, 2025

A new "World of Men and Women Research" conducted by Üsküdar University and Method Research Company has provided a sociological X-ray of Turkish society. The study, covering 1,363 participants across 22 cities, reveals a fascinating tug-of-war in domestic life: while men cling to traditional authority, women are firmly pushing for partnership.

The most striking finding concerns the perception of power at home. While 35% of men assert, "I am the head of the household," only 15% of women accept this definition. Conversely, 46% of women declare, "My spouse and I are equal," a sentiment shared by only 26% of men.

Home: A Sanctuary for Him, A Workplace for Her

The research highlights that the home environment means different things to each gender. For men, the home is a "sanctuary" where 56% report feeling no stress. For women, however, the home remains a place of responsibility and labor, with only 47% stating they feel stress-free at home.

This data suggests that while men return home to rest, women often begin a "second shift" of domestic duties, preventing them from viewing the home solely as a place of relaxation.

The "Glass Ceiling" remains Unbroken

The study also quantified the gender gap in the professional world. Although women make up a significant portion of the workforce, they are drastically underrepresented in decision-making roles.

• Managerial Gap: 29% of men define themselves as "managers," compared to only 8% of women.

• Respect at Work: 48% of men feel they have "respect" in the workplace, while only 31% of women feel the same.

These figures illustrate that the "Glass Ceiling" effect continues to hinder women from reaching the positions they deserve, despite their presence in the workforce.

Health and Hygiene Paradox

The survey revealed interesting contradictions in health and hygiene habits. Men were found to consume significantly more alcohol and cigarettes yet were more optimistic about their health, with 78% feeling "healthy." Women, despite living generally healthier lifestyles, reported higher rates of chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes.

In terms of hygiene, women are more meticulous, washing their hands an average of 9 times a day compared to 7 for men. However, men took the lead in shower frequency, averaging 5.3 showers per week versus 4.5 for women.

United by the "Sacred Family"

Despite these differences in perception and lifestyle, Turkish society remains united on one core value: the family. More than 90% of both men and women agreed with the statement, "The Family is Sacred."

However, views on the institution of marriage differ. Women prioritize legal security and official recognition, while men are more open to alternative arrangements.

• Unofficial Unions: 29% of men believe a religious marriage (without civil registration) is sufficient, compared to only 14% of women.

• Cohabitation: 30% of men are open to living together without marriage, while only 19% of women agree.

This indicates that for women, marriage is not just a romantic bond but a necessary legal safeguard.

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