Reasons for female students' dropping out of PhD: Disappointment and caregiver burden

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore why female students drop out of their doctoral programs. In addition, it is aimed to recommend policies for female students in order to complete their doctoral programs. The research is a case study based on in-depth interviews with five female students who dropped out of their doctoral program at a state university in Ankara. In the findings of the study, academic frustration / disappointment, domestic responsibilities, institutional deficiencies and financial reasons came to the forefront as the reasons for female students leaving the doctorate. As a result of all these factors, it is found that female students experienced a serious loss of motivation. The research suggests that institutions and policy makers should conduct detailed research to prevent dropouts, that financial and social support mechanisms should be used effectively for negative situations that reduce the motivation of doctoral students, and that increasing the number of research assistant staff will reduce dropouts.