Patriarchal Authority and the Normalization of Violence: Local Actors’ Gender Narratives in Türkiye

Berçem Barut Bektaş; Yunus Kara; Filiz Er

doi:10.47478/lectio.1870674

Patriarchal Authority and the Normalization of Violence: Local Actors’ Gender Narratives in Türkiye

Abstract

This qualitative study examines how local actors in Türkiye construct gender norms and rationalize violence against women within everyday social discourse. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants, including tradespeople, headpersons, and imams. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) locally produced gender regimes, shaped by exalted masculinity, sacred motherhood, stereotyped femininity, and controlled freedom; (2) family as a moral and social foundation, emphasizing traditional gender roles, male protective-disciplinary authority, and return-to-family narratives during crises; and (3) cultural rationalization of gender-based violence, including beliefs in “deserved” violence, social disorder as justification, and a perceived impossibility of change. Findings demonstrate how patriarchal norms are reproduced through everyday moral claims and social expectations, legitimizing gendered control and sustaining tolerance toward violence. The study contributes to ongoing debates on gender, power, and the cultural maintenance of violence by highlighting the role of local actors in reinforcing Türkiye’s gender order.

Keywords

Gender norms , violence , local actors , patriarchy , qualitative inquiry

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Women's Studies

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Berçem Barut Bektaş ^*
0000-0002-9134-9456
Türkiye

Yunus Kara
0000-0002-7812-5845
Türkiye

Filiz Er
0000-0001-5065-3809
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 28, 2026

Submission Date

January 24, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Number: 2026

DOI

https://doi.org/10.47478/lectio.1870674

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA66CT75ZJ

APA

Barut Bektaş, B., Kara, Y., & Er, F. (2026). Patriarchal Authority and the Normalization of Violence: Local Actors’ Gender Narratives in Türkiye. Lectio Socialis, 2026. https://doi.org/10.47478/lectio.1870674

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Patriarchal Authority and the Normalization of Violence: Local Actors’ Gender Narratives in Türkiye

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