Ethnic conflict and gender inequality in education: the case of Turkey
Date
2018-04Source Title
Turkish Studies
Print ISSN
1468-3849
Publisher
Routledge
Volume
19
Issue
3
Pages
400 - 421
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
371
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372
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Abstract
Although conflict remains a major obstacle to development in many areas of the world, its impact on education has been rarely studied. This article investigates the relationship between conflict and gender equality, focusing on the schooling of the girls in the conflict-ridden regions of Turkey. Patriarchy is the most important determinant of low educational levels among girls in Southeastern Turkey. However, ethnic conflict exacerbates male-dominant traditions and blocks economic development, reinforcing patriarchal norms and limiting girls’ school attendance. Yet, by provoking political mobilization around a Kurdish identity, ethnic conflict may undermine patriarchy and unintentionally promote girls’ education.