Motherhood in the Shadow of Ableism and Patriarchy: A Feminist Social Work Perspective on Women with Disabilities’ Experiences in Türkiye *

Abstract

This study examines the motherhood experiences of women with disabilities living in Türkiye from a feminist social work perspective and analyzes how dominant ideologies surrounding gender, motherhood, and disability shape these experiences. Drawing on a feminist qualitative research design, the study is based on semi-structured interviews with 21 women with diverse disabilities residing in different regions of Türkiye. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three interrelated themes were identified: (1) The Double Burden of Mothering in the Shadow of Ableism and Patriarchy; (2) The Struggles of Mothering in the Shadow of Policy Gaps; and (3) Resisting and Growing Stronger against Oppressions and Challenges. The findings reveal that the dominant norms of good motherhood place intense pressure on women with disabilities. In Türkiye, these pressures are reinforced through social policies and services that institutionalize patriarchal and ableist ideologies. Simultaneously, women actively navigate these constraints through coping, resistance, and empowerment strategies in their daily mothering practices. By making these power relations visible, this study highlights the transformative potential of feminist social work and underscores the need for rights-based social policies and social work interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels to empower women with disabilities.