Syrian Women in the Turkish Labor Market: Understanding their Labor Supply Behavior

Abstract

This study explores the various dynamics that Syrian women under temporary protection in Türkiye encounter in the labor market. By conducting a qualitative study on female Syrian employees residing in six different cities in Türkiye and basing our analysis on the neoclassical theory of labor supply, the study seeks to elucidate nationwide factors that potentially affect these women’s work decisions. It also attempts to identify if any differences exist in the labor market outcomes for Syrian women compared to their female Turkish counterparts or male Syrian counterparts. Therefore, the study employs a gender perspective and aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the experiences of working Syrian women by distinguishing them from the overall Syrian population living in Türkiye. Study findings point to both pecuniary and nonpecuniary factors that shape the labor supply behavior of these women.