The Internet, Gendered Socialization, and Changes in Women's Life Styles in Iran and Turkey

Women play increasing roles in different societies and the fact that some of them follow norms different from those dominant in their society is undeniable. This article investigates the impact of the Internet on becoming "different" on the basis of a conceptual framework inspired by gender socialization theory, globalization, public/private spheres, and Foucaudian concept of resistance. Deep interviews with twenty Iranian and Turkish women regarded as "different" provide information on their lived experience. On the basis of a quantitative analysis and grounded theory as formulated by Strauss and Corbin, the findings show that the primary socialization of these women has not been different form the mainstream society. In their secondary socialization, the first signs of difference have emerged when they faced the public life. The third phase is when they began to resist against and divert from dominant patterns of conduct. It is at this stage that they consciously act against traditions and violate standard norms. The Internet has been found to be an influential means through which they face the outside life more easily and become more courageous in their opposition against traditional norms.