A digital narrative study concerning global crisis period: The pandemic's impact on the domestic responsibilities of women health workers in Türkiye

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a profound influence on female healthcare workers, resulting in a notable escalation in the time allocated to domestic duties and unpaid household labor. This study delves into the professional and personal experiences of these women through the medium of digital narratives. Employing interpretive analysis within a phenomenological framework, the research scrutinized six female healthcare workers, all of whom were mothers of children under the age of 18. The investigation revealed that the pandemic has exacerbated existing gender disparities, manifesting in an increased burden of unpaid domestic responsibilities coupled with a concomitant reduction in personal time. Moreover, the utilization of digital narratives emerged as a multifaceted tool, not only facilitating socialization among healthcare workers but also nurturing their well-being and fostering the development of digital literacy skills.