Capabilities-based gender equality analysis of educational policy-making and reform in Turkey

Abstract

This research aims to scrutinise the latest education reform and education policies in Turkey from a capabilities-based gender equality perspective. The data draws on interviews with stakeholders and practitioners to understand how gender equality is conceptualised in policy-making and to what extent reforms have fostered gender equality in girls' education. From a policy-making perspective, the data shows that reform has been successful in terms of a tangible, measurable outcome of an increase in enrolment rates by boosting the numbers of religious schools and introducing single-sex education with a limited conceptual understanding of gender equality, a focus on closing the gender gap and excluding boys from gender justice claims while, from the practitioners' perspective, it has given little concern to gender equality and constrained girls' capabilities. The paper fleshes out the tensions between the actors of policy-makers and practitioners by highlighting the need for a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of gender equality in educational policy-making and developing a capabilities-based gender equality policy that could dismantle conservative and gendered structures and accommodate boys.

New Concept and New Practice of Gender Equality Education at the Background of Digital Society

“…One of the important characteristics of modern civilized society is to cultivate modern citizens with unique personality charm [11]. Both men and women should become individuals with a sense of social responsibility, rational spirit, independent judgment and an open and equal mentality.…”

Educational policy-making and hegemony: monolithic voices from civil society

“…While some supported this policy change, others argued that introducing headscarf use in primary schools was an ideological tool for the government to condition children at an earlier age. For instance, Cin et al (2018) show that religion and religious schools are used as an intervention strategy to increase girls' enrolment in primary schools in Eastern Turkey, as well as a tool with which to promote the neo-conservative agenda of the government.…”