Representation of Women in Turkish Politics
Author
Rasmussen, Ditte Rie Rodian
Term
4. term
Publication year
2014
Abstract
This thesis examines why women are under-represented in Turkish politics and whether gender quotas can help address this. Drawing on secondary and tertiary sources, it applies three theoretical lenses—patriarchy; arguments for women representing women (Philips and Dovi); and gender quotas (Walby, Dahlerup, Freidenvall, and Krook)—to Turkey’s historical and contemporary context. Descriptive statistics highlight low participation (14.3% of MPs, one female minister, and very small shares in local offices) and weak standings on political empowerment indicators. The analysis is presented in two parts: first, six normative and institutional arguments for women’s political presence; second, the forms and potential of quotas (voluntary party quotas, reserved seats, and legal quotas), complemented by civil society initiatives such as KA.DER and reforms linked to EU/CEDAW commitments. The study finds that patriarchal structures and limited institutional support constrain women’s advancement despite indications that voters are ready for more women in leadership; historically, only a few women have led parties. It concludes that gender quotas could serve as a short-term instrument to increase women’s representation while broader societal and institutional changes take root.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvorfor kvinder er underrepræsenteret i tyrkisk politik, og om kønskvoter kan afhjælpe problemet. På baggrund af sekundære og tertiære kilder anvendes tre teoretiske spor—patriarkat; argumenter for at kvinder bør repræsentere kvinder (Philips og Dovi); samt kønskvoter (Walby, Dahlerup, Freidenvall og Krook)—på Tyrkiets historiske og aktuelle kontekst. Deskriptive tal illustrerer den lave deltagelse (14,3 % af parlamentsmedlemmer, én kvindelig minister og meget lave andele lokalt) og svag placering på indeks for politisk empowerment. Analysen er todelt: først seks normative og institutionelle argumenter for kvinders repræsentation, dernæst former og potentiale ved kvoter (frivillige partkvoter, reserverede pladser og lovfæstede kvoter), suppleret af civilsamfundsindsatser som KA.DER og reformer relateret til EU/CEDAW. Specialet finder, at patriarkalske strukturer og begrænset institutionel støtte hæmmer kvinders avancement trods tegn på, at vælgere er parate til flere kvinder i ledelse; historisk har kun få kvinder stået i spidsen for partier. Konklusionen er, at kønskvoter kan fungere som et kortsigtet redskab til at øge kvinders repræsentation, mens bredere samfunds- og institutionsforandringer forankres.
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