Inherited expectations, new realities: the changing gender roles of millennial mothers

Abstract Gender roles have long been shaped by cultural expectations, societal norms, and individual identity, undergoing significant transformations over time. This phenomenological study explores the intergenerational transmission of gender roles in Türkiye, where modern aspirations intersect with traditional patriarchal structures. Grounded in gender schema theory and feminist family science, the study examines how women internalize, negotiate, and challenge gender role expectations within their families of origin and the families they establish. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 millennial mothers in Ankara, Türkiye, selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis identified three main themes—roles, authority, and transition—revealing how women both reinforce and resist inherited gender norms. Findings indicate that while traditional gender schemas persist, shifting family dynamics and external influences contribute to the gradual transformation of gender roles. The study introduces the Authority Wheel concept, illustrating how women, despite desiring egalitarian relationships, often become primary rule enforcers within the household. These insights highlight the need for policy interventions promoting gender equity, particularly through parental education, work-life balance reforms, and school-based initiatives aimed at disrupting rigid gender schemas. By examining gender role transmission from a phenomenological perspective, this research contributes to contemporary discussions on gender ideology, power dynamics, and the evolving nature of family structures.