The Impact of Uyat on the Emotional Development and Wellbeing of Women

This thesis explores how Uyat (cultural shame), having become a part of the culture of the Kazakh people, affects women, especially their emotional and mental state, their autonomy and their general well-being. Uyat, which was once the foundation of an ethical life for a nomadic people, has turned into a weapon that controls the lives and choices of women. Based on the existing literature on cultures that are also based on shame, gender norms, and mental health, as well as interviews with 48 women from the Dom Mamy Crisis Center and 11 practicing psychologists across Kazakhstan, this work explores how traditional gender roles and expectations related to family honor affect emotional well-being, suppression of emotions, inner shame, low self-esteem, increased anxiety and depression, as well as a feeling of being trapped. Conducted interviews show that Uyat has a great impact on women's decision-making process about their education, profession, and partner choice. Moreover, it can force women to stay in harmful relationships, often causing them to feel trapped, and this is due to the fear of social stigmatization. The study also highlights that Uyat tends to be passed down from generation to generation, thereby exacerbating long-term psychological problems for women. Despite all these problems, the youth of Kazakhstan are beginning to move towards rethinking the values of the Uyat, and giving it a new meaning, the value of which lies in autonomy, dignity and emotional openness. This thesis seeks to complement limited research on gender psychology in Central Asia and highlights the need for cultural, political and mental health interventions that support the rights and well-being of women in Kazakhstan.