Progress or Reproduction? Motherhood, Care Work, and the Contradictory Outcomes of Feminist Rights in Working Life

Year 2026, Volume: 25 Issue: 2 , 380 - 401 , 30.04.2026

Hüseyin Nihat Güneş

https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.1782545

https://izlik.org/JA84WB39BK

Abstract

This study examines the historical development of the feminist struggle against gender inequality, highlighting how certain rights and protections—initially regarded as progressive gains—can paradoxically reproduce patriarchal norms when removed from their historical and social context. By analyzing key feminist waves and theoretical approaches, the research shows that rights such as maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks, flexible working arrangements, protective labor laws, and menstrual leave, while designed to support women’s participation in the workforce, can also reinforce traditional gender roles by positioning women primarily as “natural caregivers” or “fragile subjects.” The findings reveal that feminist politics should not be viewed as static; even well-established rights must be continually questioned to assess whether they produce genuinely equal outcomes. Achieving real gender equality requires not only gaining new rights but also critically evaluating how existing policies interact with patriarchal structures. In this regard, the study emphasizes that feminist gains are not absolute but must be redefined and restructured in line with the transformation of underlying social norms.

Keywords

Women's Rights , Maternity Leave , Breasfeeding Leave , Critical Feminism , Custody Rights

Ethical Statement

It is hereby declared that scientific and ethical principles were adhered to during the preparation of this study and that all studies used as references are listed in the bibliography.

İlerleme mi Yeniden Üretim mi? Annelik, Bakım Emeği ve Çalışma Yaşamında Feminist Hakların Çelişkili Sonuçları

https://izlik.org/JA84WB39BK

Abstract

Bu çalışma, toplumsal cinsiyet eşitsizliğine karşı yürütülen feminist mücadelenin tarihsel gelişimini ele alarak, başlangıçta ilerici kazanımlar olarak görülen bazı hak ve korumaların, tarihsel ve toplumsal bağlamından koparıldığında ataerkil normları yeniden üretebilme potansiyeline dikkat çekmektedir. Feminist dalgaların ve temel kuramsal yaklaşımların katkılarıyla incelenen doğum izni, emzirme izni, esnek çalışma düzenlemeleri, koruyucu iş yasaları ve regl izni gibi hakların, kadınların iş gücüne katılımını desteklemekle birlikte, kadını öncelikle “doğal bakıcı” veya “kırılgan” olarak konumlandırarak geleneksel cinsiyet rollerini pekiştirebildiği görülmektedir. Araştırmanın bulguları, feminist politikanın statik olmadığını, kazanılmış hakların dahi eşitlikçi sonuçlar doğurup doğurmadığının sürekli olarak sorgulanması gerektiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Gerçek toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliğinin sağlanabilmesi için, yalnızca yeni haklar elde etmek değil, mevcut düzenlemelerin ataerkil yapılarla nasıl ilişkilenebileceğini eleştirel bir bakışla değerlendirmek gerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda çalışma, feminist kazanımların mutlak değil, dönüştürülebilir olduğuna ve toplumsal normların dönüşümüyle birlikte yeniden tasarlanması gerektiğine vurgu yapmaktadır.

Keywords

Kadın Hakları , Doğum İzni , Süt İzni , Eleştirel Feminizm , Velayet Hakkı

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışmanın hazırlanma sürecinde bilimsel ve etik ilkelere uyulduğu ve yararlanılan tüm çalışmaların kaynakçada belirtildiği beyan olunur.

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