Understanding the Situation in Turkey Through a Gender Lens

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Reviewer’s comments on article: Understanding the Situation in Turkey Through a Gender Lens

This is an insightful paper in examining the changing perspectives of gender norms in Turkey. The author clearly outlines their theoretical framework in grounding their study in sociological and feminist scholarship on gender/gender inequality.  The methodology was precise, and it incorporated a gender scale that was used to measure participants’ responses. The reporting of the finding was methodical, and it drew from an established data set and some content was presented in tables. While the for the most part the study was clearly presented in the paper, the discussion of the findings needed to be more robust. There needed to be a better utilization of some of the ideas and content form the literature review to help better analyse the data in the study beyond reporting or re-stating the findings in a singular fashion. A more robust gender analysis of the findings would have been helpful  in better explaining “why” gender imbalances occurred or were lessened in certain situations. Also, the correlation made between the progressive ideas of gender espoused by participants and significant change in attitudes to gender norms was overstated. The author’s study was not longitudinal nor was the study compared to another study of similar focus so generalized claims of major shifts in gender norms in Turkey should be avoid given the study's sample size of 1053 participants compared  to the vast population of Turkey. Finally, some language or terminology like “traditional” needs to be explain or unpacked in uncovering socio-cultural norms and even religious beliefs that shape gender norms in Turkey.

Theoretical Framework

• There was a good review of the literature on gender from sociological, psychological and a few feminist perspectives. In terms of Marxist feminist and socialist feminist standpoints on gender, while I agree that Marxist feminist view gender inequality as a function of material and economic inequality between men and women, socialist feminists offer a more nuanced of the inter-relationship between gender and class under a capitalism mode of production; thus, the dual system of patriarchy (ideologies and practices that reinforce male superiority and dominance over women) and capitalism instead of one factor being a byproduct of the other. Thus, on lines 103-106 of the paper, I would like author to make a clearer distinction between a Marxist and social feminist understanding of gender. The socialist scholarship of Maria Mies (1986) and Zillah Eisenstein (1978) are good sources on this. Also, a brief note on a feminist post-modernist view of gender (Jane Flax) that focus on gender relations of power (gender system) would be helpful in addressing both the individual and institutional mechanisms of gender beyond sex role theory and the like.
• Line 142-143, a definition of gender-based violence was accurately noted by the author: “acts of violence against a person solely because of their gender.”But I think a stronger statement can be made to how patriarchal or male dominant beliefs give men the licence to control and punish women to keep them in their place through violent means. There is a note on gender-based violence and then there is jump to femicide. While gender-based violence can be seen as the more neutral or broad terminology to deal with sex/gender-based violence (there a deviations to the male perpetrator/female victim scenario), violence against women, especially in the form of femicide, which the author highlights tackles the vulnerability that women experience specifically with intimate partner violence (IPV) primarily with men.

Methodology

• Explain what a descriptive and cross-sectional research designs is. Is that mixed methods with qualitative and quantitative measures?
• Sample: what is the ethnicity/nationality of the participants. Is the sample based on homogenous ethno-cultural group? Is religious/spiritual affiliation accounted for in the demographics?

Results

• Line 263-264 - Although the results highlight the progressive perspectives of participants as it relates to gender norms of relations, there could have been more background/context of elements of traditional values in Turkey to compare the shift or changes that have occurred.
• Line 280 – What affect the Turkey’s political economy have on men being comfortable with women working outside of the home? Is out of economic necessity that some men welcome women’s professional autonomy or does it reflect real shifts in cultural norms around gender as it relates to man as breadwinner or provider.
• It is good the author took into consider viewpoints disaggregated by gender and age with women and younger people being more progressive in their viewpoints on gender roles and the gender division of labor within the home. Also, education and higher income earnings were also important factors in individuals having a more egalitarian viewpoint of gender. All variables were clearly laid out in the chart- education, rural/urban, place of employment, family type, marital status. Was religion a variable?

Discussion

• Based on the study, participants tend to hold egalitarian viewpoints of gender (72% on the gender scale). It is noted that women more so than men had a more progressive viewpoint of gender. Why is this so?
• Lines 377-378 – the author notes that men are holding on to traditional values. What might some of these norms be?
• Line 392-396 Why does the author think there is a difference in gender perceptions between rural and urban areas? Might it be more women have to work outside of the household challenging the primacy of the male breadwinner.
• Line 413-417 -There is a note about women’s work (paid and unpaid) being undervalued especially with industrialization and men. This is accurate to a certain extent. The author may want to consider the intersectionality of employment and geographical location. Since it was noted that traditional gender norms are more noticeable in rural areas, then wouldn’t women in urban areas may be more exposed to educational and employment opportunities in elevating themselves and working outside the home to support their families? The economic necessity in surviving in the city due to the high cost of living may shift the gender division labor, especially in a nuclear family setting. Lines 416-418, the author makes a general point about women’s work varying across socio-cultural and economic factors. But I think a deeper analysis of this can be provided based on the findings.
• Lines 444-450 – the author makes note of religious marriages and the retention of gender norms. Yet religion was not a variable in problematizing gender. Why is this so? Patriarchal religious beliefs across different faiths tend to uphold strict gender codes.
• Lines 452-457 -the author should have some explanation of why there is gender variance in different familial types. Why are single parent households more egalitarian than say a “traditional” extended family unit. What is meant by “traditional.”
• Line459 the author notes that “the study findings point to significant shift in gender perspectives” but I do not think that can be concluded because the sample of the study is a merely a fraction of the population. On line 468, the author notes in the conclusion that “the study demonstrates that gender perspectives in Turkey are gradually shifting away from traditional norms to a more egalitarian framework.” There is a discrepancy here in terms of impact. But can a change or shift in gender be really determined if this is not a longitudinal study or some other study on gender relations in Turkey was not used as a comparison. I do not think a generalized claimed on major changes in gender norms can be made in this case. The study deals with evolving perspectives on gender in Turkey based on a segment of the population or the sample in the study.

 

 

Author Response

We thank you for your valuable evaluations of our article, which have contributed to enhancing the overall quality of our work. In this context, all of Referee 1’s suggestions have been carefully reviewed, and the following revisions have been implemented accordingly.

The edits made are marked in red on the copy in the system.

2. The recommendations have been duly incorporated, and the correlation between progressive gender perspectives and a notable shift in attitudes toward traditional gender norms is not overstated but rather presented as an empirically supported outcome of the study. Furthermore, the study provides contextualized explanations regarding the influence of socio-cultural norms and religious beliefs prevalent in Turkey.
3. Theoretical Framework

Line 103 - 106 - In response to the referee’s suggestion for a clearer delineation between Marxist and socialist feminist conceptions of gender, the relevant distinctions have been addressed through the examination and incorporation of the recommended sources. Accordingly, the works of Maria Mies (1986), Zillah Eisenstein (1978), and Jane Flax (1990) have been consulted and added to the bibliography to enhance the theoretical depth and clarity of the discussion.

Line 142-143 - The study emphasizes and explicates that patriarchal, male-dominated belief systems legitimize men’s authority to control and discipline women through acts of violence, serving as a mechanism to reinforce and maintain traditional gender hierarchies.

 

3. Methodology

Descriptive and cross-sectional research designs are described.

4. Results

 Line 263-264 - Participants’ progressive perspectives on gender norm relations were foregrounded, and explanations of traditional value elements were incorporated to facilitate a comparative analysis of the ongoing changes and transformations within the sociocultural context of Turkey.

Line 280 - The influence of Turkey's political economy on men's acceptance of women's employment outside the home is examined, and the underlying factors contributing to the shifting male perceptions of women in the workforce are analyzed and articulated.

Religion was not treated as an independent variable in this study. However, it is important to note that Turkey differs significantly from its immediate neighbors, many of which are Islamic countries. Although often perceived—perhaps inaccurately—as a Middle Eastern country, Turkey is constitutionally a secular state. Nonetheless, the political transformations of the past two decades, including shifts driven by migration and the instrumentalization of political tools, have contributed to a degree of secular erosion. Despite these developments, Turkey remains officially secular. The majority of its population, however, identifies with Islam, predominantly following a Sunni interpretation, which contributes to a relatively homogeneous religious composition within the study group.

5. Discussion

The study provides explanations for why women tend to exhibit a more progressive perspective on gender norms compared to men, highlighting factors such as lived experiences of gender-based inequalities, greater awareness of structural discrimination, and increased engagement with egalitarian discourses.

Line 377-378 - The study presents specific examples of traditional gender norms, illustrating the ways in which men adhere to these conventional values. These norms include expectations such as male dominance in decision-making, the association of women primarily with domestic roles, and the belief that men should be the primary breadwinners—demonstrating the persistence of patriarchal structures in shaping male attitudes.

Line 392 -396 - The study provides explanations for the observed differences in gender perceptions between rural and urban areas, attributing these variations to factors such as levels of education, exposure to modern and egalitarian discourses, access to media and social networks, and the degree of adherence to traditional cultural and familial structures. Urban populations, generally benefiting from greater access to education and diverse social environments, tend to exhibit more progressive gender attitudes compared to their rural counterparts.

Line 413 -417 - The study includes explanations regarding the transformation of women's labor force values in the context of industrialization, examining differences in their employment status across urban and rural settings. It highlights how industrialization has contributed to increased female labor force participation, particularly in urban areas, where economic structures and social norms are more conducive to women's employment. In contrast, rural areas often maintain more traditional divisions of labor. The study also explores how the valuation of women’s labor—both paid and unpaid—shapes and reflects broader gender perceptions, influencing societal attitudes toward gender roles and equality.

Lines 416-418 - The finding that women’s labor participation varies according to socio-cultural and economic factors is revisited with a more detailed analysis. This explanation underscores how variables such as educational attainment, regional economic development, cultural norms, family responsibilities, and access to employment opportunities collectively influence the nature, extent, and conditions of women’s work. The study emphasizes that these intersecting factors produce diverse experiences and patterns of female labor engagement across different social contexts.

Lines 444-450 - The reasons for not taking religion as a variable are explained.

Lines 452-457 - The study provides explanations of traditional gender perspectives as they manifest across different family types, highlighting how varying family structures—such as nuclear, extended, and patriarchal households—shape the adherence to conventional gender roles and expectations. These explanations illustrate the ways in which family dynamics influence the reinforcement or challenge of traditional gender norms within domestic settings.

Line 490 - The results of this study were discussed within the framework of its methodological limitations and the characteristics of the sample group. Care was taken to avoid assertive or overgeneralized conclusions, and the findings were presented with appropriate caution, acknowledging the contextual specificity and scope of the research.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

As attacment. 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Generally the english use understandable.  However, it is recommended to use more refined and well-structured sentences to enhance clarity.

Author Response

Thank you for your evaluations on our article. Thus, our study will become more qualified. In this context, all suggestions of Reviewer 2  were analysed and the following adjustments were made.

Edits made are indicated in red colour on the copy in the system

Line 23

While contemporary discourse suggests a shift toward more egalitarian gender perceptions among men and women, research findings indicate otherwise.

Contemporary discourse suggests a shift toward more egalitarian gender perceptions among men and women, but research findings tell a different story.

Lİne 47

Despite efforts to combat these challenges and to promote gender equality, such as equal opportunities in access to education, birth incentives for working women, family social support programs, the adoption of Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and the Prevention of Violence Against Women to combat violence against women, the establish-ment of family courts, increasing the penalties for honor killings, the introduction of the principle of ‘Positive Discrimination’ for women in the Constitution, increasing the num-ber of female representatives in local and general administration, and the establishment of the Commission on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in the Grand National As-sembly of Turkey (TBMM), progress remains slow due to deeply ingrained cultural and structural barriers, and significant inequalities persist in various areas (https://www.akparti.org.tr).

Line 178

The study surveyed 1,053 individuals from seven regions of Turkey (Marmara Region, Aegean Region, Mediterranean Region, Central Anatolia Region, Black Sea Region, Eastern Anatolia Region and Southeastern Anatolia Region), with 21% of par-ticipants being male and 79% female. The age range varied from 18 to 41 and above, with 82% residing in metropolitan areas. The provinces with the highest population density were selected from each geographical region.

Table 1: This descriptive data could be accompanied by a gender-based comparison to observe gender tendencies for each statement element.

In the study, many factors affecting the change in gender perceptions were analysed and there is not a table addressing only the gender variable, but in Table 2.1, all factors affecting the scale score were calculated.

 

Line 421

Please specify the names of the locations for each region.

The differences in gender perception across regions should be discussed in greater depth, as the findings of this study are particularly interesting due to the variations observed between different geographical areas.

The study reveals that a more traditional gender perception prevails in the eastern regions of Turkey, while a more egalitarian approach is adopted in the western regions.

The possible reasons for this situation are explained in the following paragraph (Line 423-429)

However, a strict regional distinction in gender perception within Turkey is not clearly observable, primarily due to high internal population mobility. In western regions, where gender perceptions tend to be more egalitarian, the presence of individuals originating from eastern regions contributes to a dynamic cultural interaction. This mobility, influ-enced by factors such as education, urbanization, and labor conditions, leads to an accul-turation process that shapes gender perceptions across regi

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for this interesting study. I hope my comments help you improve your manuscript: 

1)I notice some discrepancy between the research question and the literature review. The research question aims to measure the change in gender perceptions but the literature reviews studies that explains how and why perceptions matter. The literature must specifically address the research question and shed light why this change might be taking place especially given that the political context is not encouraging. 

2) The author states multiple times that "it has been determined that gender perception is evolving in a more egalitarian direction" but provides no empirical evidence regarding previous perceptions. What are those studies and what were the responses? Please include the empirical evidence, such as those surveys conducted in previous years so that the reader could see the change over time. 

3)The political context over the last 20 years under the AKP regime has significantly undermined egalitarian practices, policies and laws. In other words, this is the period during which gender equality has suffered significantly. The author mentions nothing about this context. I strongly think this context is significant to include and discuss and in fact doing so makes the research question even more interesting and puzzling: Despite the AKP regime's efforts to promote traditional roles, more egalitarian gender perceptions are taking place. What explains this change? 

Author Response

Thank you for your evaluations on our article. Thus, our study will become more qualified. In this context, all suggestions of Reviewer 3 were analysed and the following adjustments were made.

Edits made are indicated in red colour on the copy in the system

 

• The purpose of the study is more clearly stated.

This study aims to examine gender perceptions and the factors affecting gender per-ceptions in seven geographical regions of Turkey. (Line 186-187)

• ……………………. it has been determined that gender perception is evolving in a more egalitarian direction. (Line 366-368). In order to reveal the transformation of gender perception in Turkey, a large number of studies conducted in the past years have been analyzed (Ecevit 2021; Kadir Has Universi-ty Research on Gender and Perception of Women in Turkey 2016–2022; Konda, 2019; TSI Family Survey 2015, 2017). Our study examines the change in gender perceptions in the light of current data; it analyzes the factors affecting this change on a homogeneous sam-ple and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective on the field.
• (Line 45-47) instead of Despite efforts to promote gender equality, substantial disparities persist across various domains, including employment, political representation, education, and gender-based violence

Despite efforts to combat these challenges and to promote gender equality, such as equal opportunities in access to education, birth incentives for working women, family social support programs, the adoption of Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and the Prevention of Violence Against Women to combat violence against women, the establish-ment of family courts, increasing the penalties for honor killings, the introduction of the principle of ‘Positive Discrimination’ for women in the Constitution, increasing the num-ber of female representatives in local and general administration, and the establishment of the Commission on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in the Grand National As-sembly of Turkey (TBMM), progress remains slow due to deeply ingrained cultural and structural barriers, and significant inequalities persist in various areas (https://www.akparti.org.tr).

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In my previous review, I made three comments: 1) discrepancy between the literature review and the research questions, 2) lack of evidence for the previous period, 3) lack of political context. Thank you for making the revisions and explaining in the memo. Unfortunately the memo doesn't specify what changes were made (and in what pages) in response to what comments so it is difficult to understand. As far as I see the revisions are minimal. For instance, comment #1 requires rewriting the literature review section. #3 is also not really answered. It would be useful if the author engages in more substantive revisions and explain in the memo what was done and where.

Author Response

1) Discrepancy between the literature review and the research questions

• In this study, it is aimed to determine the status of gender perception in Turkey within the framework of the conditions of the period in which the research was conducted, the study group and the conjuncture of the country. The existence of any change (positive or negative) in gender perception and the impact of individual characteristics (the study group) on this change were analyzed. In addition, literature explaining how and why gender perception is important is also included in the study. This literature supports each other with different perspectives and contributes to a multidimensional approach to the subject. This is because, regardless of the perspective from which the issue is evaluated, it ultimately requires a focus on how gender is perceived and constructed in society.
•  
• 2) Lack of evidence for the previous period
•  
• In this context, various studies conducted especially in Turkey on the current state of gender perception and the process of change are included. For example, KONDA's research in 2018 (lines 428-433) and 2019 (lines 537-543), Kadir Has University's findings for the period 2016-2022 (lines 428-433), Areda Survey and Istanbul University's research in 2021 (lines 537-543) and Turkish Statistical Institute's 2015-2017 data (lines 428-433, 537-543) are analyzed in this context.

3)Lack of political context. Thank you for making the revisions and explaining in the memo

• There was a paragraph on the political context added in the previous revision (lines 50-60). However, we have also added another paragraph analyzing the AKP period in this context (lines 572-586).

Over the last 20 years, the prevailing politics in the country has been controversial in terms of gender equality, perception and regulation of women. While the AKP pursued a neoliberal-conservative line in the first period of its rule, after 2010 it adopted a family-centered policy. The year 2025 was declared as the year of the family. In the 2000s, the government also carried out positive activities within the scope of the harmonization process with the European Union. However, since 2010, the government's record on women, gender perception and rights has been full of weaknesses (Artizan 2018). Despite the current government's push for a theocratic transformation of society, it seems that it has not found a response from Turkish society in terms of gender equality. This is attributed to Turkey's legacy of modernization and secularization, increasing levels of education and urbanization, international norms created by globalization processes, the strengthening women's movement and the heterogeneous structure of society. These factors may have strengthened women's presence in the public sphere and their demand for equality by creating a social resistance against interventions against traditional gender roles. The results of the study are in line with the general situation in Turkey.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf