The role of women in the formation of civil society in post-1980 Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to draw a theoretical discussion on the features of the Turkish feminist groups and their contributions to the development of civil society in post-1980 Turkey. It has been reached to the conclusion that Turkish feminist groups have created a new set of politics in Turkey through the success of changing many women's and men's thinking. Through the focus on conciseness raising, on non- oppressive relations between man and woman, on creating a counter-culture and alternative institutions, Turkish feminist groups have represented a new politics in Turkey. Turkish feminist groups have incorporated into particular as well as universal discourses. With respect to their particular discourses feminist groups serve for the aims of the Turkish state. However, With respect to the common discourses which they share with their Western counterparts they constitute a substantial element of civil society in Turkey. These discourses are particular to their own interest as well as differentiate feminist women from the "man-like" generation of the women who once served for the aims of the Republican Turkey.