Factors determining women's participation in leisure activities in Türkiye

ABSTRACT Women's participation in leisure activities is affected by many constraints, such as gender roles expected from women, the cultural structure of society, society's perspective on women, religious beliefs, traditions and customs. A woman's free will to participate in the activity she wants is only possible if the constraints to participation are removed. For this reason, it is critical to determine the leisure constraints of women. This study aims to determine women's leisure constraints within the cultural framework of Turkish society. A qualitative research method was used, and data were collected from 26 regions representing Türkiye. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 52 women. Socio-cultural, economic, and demographic diversity was ensured among the participants. The constraints that emerged in the findings were examined under structural, intrapersonal, and interpersonal constraints. The most frequently mentioned constraints were fear of violence and harassment, family pressure, and social pressure. Theoretical and practical implications are presented to eliminate women's leisure constraints in Turkish society.