The role of gender perception in women’s career withdrawal: Evidence from Türkiye

Gender, as a socially and culturally constructed phenomenon, influences various aspects of individuals' lives. Accordingly, the aim of this study is not to test causality but to identify the relationship between gender perception and women's career withdrawal tendencies, as well as to examine how this relationship differs across socio-demographic variables. The study employs a quantitative research design, specifically utilizing the correlational research method. Conducted with a total of 200 women, the study uses the Socio-Demographic Information Form, the Causes of Possible Career Termination of Women, and the Gender Perception Scale as data collection instruments. In terms of data analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and ANOVA analyses were utilized. The findings indicate that women with a positive gender perception exhibit a lower tendency to leave their careers. Additionally, it was determined that as education level and income increase, gender perception develops in a more positive direction. Ultimately, the study underscores the necessity of addressing women's career termination reasons from a multidimensional perspective. To enhance female employment, the development of inclusive policies such as flexible work models, parental leave, and institutional childcare support is recommended. • Positive gender perception reduces career withdrawal. • Higher income lowers women's career exit risk. • Work experience strengthens gender perception. • Spousal employment reduces withdrawal tendency. • Poor workplace support increases career exit.