This study explores the relationship between work-family conflict and parenting styles among white-collar mothers in Turkey, a context shaped by traditional gender roles and evolving work demands. A total of 100 white-collar mothers with children aged 4 to 12 participated in a quantitative correlational study using self-report questionnaires, including the Work-Family Conflict Scale and the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire.


The results revealed that higher levels of work-family conflict were significantly positively correlated with both authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. Mothers experiencing greater conflict tended to adopt authoritarian strategies characterized by control and rigidity, or permissive styles marked by low demands and high emotional responsiveness. In contrast, authoritative parenting—which balances warmth and structure—was negatively associated with work-family conflict. These findings align with Greenhaus and Beutell's (1985) theoretical model on role conflict, emphasizing how time pressure and emotional exhaustion may drive mothers toward less adaptive parenting behaviors.


Cultural expectations surrounding caregiving further intensify this dynamic. In Turkish society, mothers are often expected to be the primary caregivers, and such expectations may amplify the psychological strain experienced when managing professional and parental roles simultaneously. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting how cultural and structural pressures shape parenting responses in the face of work-family tension.


This research underscores the need for organizational policies and social interventions to support working mothers in balancing dual roles. Providing flexible work arrangements and promoting shared caregiving responsibilities could mitigate the adverse effects of conflict on parenting. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and consider the role of fathers and diverse occupational groups to enrich the understanding of how modern work environments intersect with family life and parenting behaviors.