Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Linking Sustainability and Happiness Theoretical and Applied Perspectives, Scott Cloutier, Allison Ross, Sara El Sayed, Melanie Weaver, Editör, Springer International Publishing Ag, Bern, ss.123-129, 2022
Individual work life satisfaction and individual happiness affect both the employed and non-employed. In terms of economic growth, labor factors associated with the production process increase income and welfare. In this context, a related increase in the quality of life also affects individual life satisfaction. Conversely, some women prefer never to enter the work force, thus making them happier to contribute to their homes. Such outcomes might explain situations like gender discrimination in work life, inequality in wages, or home-work conflict. This study analyzes the happiness level of Turkish housewives, who, according to data of the Turkish Statistical Institute, numbered 11 million in 2018. According to data from the Social Values Survey, the happiness level of housewives is relatively high compared to other categories (unemployed, students, retired, self-employed, part-time/full-time employed). A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 60 housewives from different regions of Turkey explores factors affecting women’s decisions to participate in the labor market, or not. Among 60 respondents, 43 were happy to be a housewife, while 17 wanted to work. Results indicate that housewives believe the primary reason to work would be for income, although it might lower their overall happiness. Findings reveal that there are two gender-based reasons for housewives’ staying home: ‘child/elderly care;’ and ‘men do not allow women to work’. These responses affirm socio-cultural norms assigning responsibility for elders and childcare to women. We suggest that future studies should study men’s perspectives on how to increase life satisfaction/happiness levels of working women in Turkey.