Patriarchy, gender and women’s participation in working life

The aim of the study is to reveal and to examine the effects of patriarchy and gender relations on women’s employment in the case of the province of Tokat. However, explaining the properties of the working life of women in Tokat is also aimed. In this regard, the questionnaires have been conducted on 298 women in enterprises which have been operating in textile and food industry in Tokat and her townships. The findings of the study indicate the patriarchal social structure, the structure of gender relations an the division of labour based on this structure and male/female roles distinction in this division of labour are the key factors that determine women’s participation in working life and working conditions.