Sex-role conflict at work: its impact on consumption practices of working women in Turkey

Abstract

Changing social norms regarding the role of women in society is fostered by women's participation in the workforce. Hence, changing role of working women in business life leads the transformation of gender stereotypes and roles. Women alter their gender role orientation according to the requirements of male-dominated business life; however, the unchanged role in private life leads to sex-role conflict. This study investigates the role of consumption as a key component of identity in the process of managing sex-role conflict in a non-Western cultural context. In-depth interviews were conducted with working women with various cultural and educational backgrounds. According to the findings of the study, women are forming compatible identities, which reduce the perceived sex-role conflict and consumption patterns are changing to suit the requirements of their new ways of living.