Turkish Gender Studies' Scholars: Balancing Academic and Emotional Turbulence

Pehlivanlı E., Eslen-Ziya H.

SOCIAL POLITICS, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1093/sp/jxae028
  • Dergi Adı: SOCIAL POLITICS
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, American History and Life, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, Historical Abstracts, Index Islamicus, Political Science Complete, Public Affairs Index
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Against the backdrop of global transformations in science policy and higher education, this study examines the profound shifts induced by anti-gender mobilizations and the precarious nature of academic labor. Focusing on the interplay of illiberal governance and neoliberal measures, particularly within Turkish academia, we investigate their impact on gender studies. Through fifteen in-depth interviews with Turkish academics specializing in gender studies, our findings reveal a challenging academic landscape marked by precarious conditions, fierce competition, and a dearth of long-term career prospects. This complex environment hinders the production of scientific knowledge and hampers scholars' ability to fully engage with and emotionally invest in their work. The study underscores structural pressures emanating from governmental, institutional, and societal barriers, alongside individual pressures within Turkish academia. By calling into question the sustainability of the university system, this study emphasizes the pressing the pressing need for a re-evaluation of current practices.