This study examines how working religious women perceive religion
and modernity and how they position themselves between the two
within the context of the relationship between religion and modernization.
Designed as a qualitative study, it employs phenomenology and
grounded theory approaches, using their perspectives, research techniques,
and data analysis methods. Phenomenology was used to explore
the lived experiences of working religious women, highlighting
similarities and differences in how they navigate between religion and
modernity. Grounded theory was applied to develop a new typology of
modernization strategies among these women.
The research consists of a conceptual framework and a field study. The
conceptual framework, created using field notes and documentation
techniques, provides the theoretical foundation. The field study was
conducted between July 15, 2024, and April 15, 2025, with seventy-
three women aged 25–60, working in various public institutions in
the city center of Çorum. Data were collected through semi-structured
interviews, with participants reached using purposeful and snowball
sampling.
The study investigates working religious women’s perceptions of religion
and modernity, their relationship with modernity, views on women’s
presence in the workforce, the interaction between work, religion,
and modernity, and the challenges they face at work, within the family,
and in social environments.
Results show that while these women feel strong in the belief dimension
of religion, they experience setbacks in its practical and formal dimensions.
They approach modernity in multiple ways, yet none accept a
modernity detached from religion; they idealize modernization while
remaining religious. This led to the emergence of a “flexible modern
religious woman” model. Although they value women’s presence in the
workforce, they emphasize working conditions. Work-related problems
stem from being women or religious women, while domestic challenges
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arise from being women. In social circles, a woman’s employment significantly
influences relationships.
Keywords: Sociology of Religion; Modernity; Turkish Modernization;
Religion; Working Religious Woman