Gendered experiences of loneliness during COVID-19 isolation: Insights for intersectional feminist social work – the case of Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the phenomenon of isolation due to COVID-19 through the lens of a feminist perspective. It focuses on daily life experiences of oppressed individuals living in Çankaya, whose spatial, socio-cultural, and political positions intersect with their age, disability, and gender. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 people, of different ages, disabilities, and gender statements. Findings show that multi-dimensional oppressions and discriminations have undermined solidarity relations and result in more profound loneliness. The results highlight that new social work approaches involving intersectional feminist consciousness of oppressions need to be developed.