Exploring Turkey's State-Civil Society Dynamics: Islam, Women's NGOs, and Advocacy

What is it about?

The article examines the transformation of the state-civil society relationship in Turkey under the neoliberal policies of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) since 2002, focusing on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in welfare delivery. It highlights how faith-based NGOs with ties to the AKP have been empowered, especially in areas like education and care services, reflecting a shift towards privatizing public services. This shift has favored groups with practices aligned with Islamic teachings, impacting the women's movement by sidelining secular and progressive NGOs. The paper explores how these changes support the AKP's cultural hegemony and conservative Islamist discourse on gender and family, while assessing the broader implications for civil society in authoritarian contexts.

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Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash

Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important as it delves into the evolving relationship between the state and civil society in Turkey under the neoliberal policies of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). By focusing on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly women's NGOs, the study highlights how these entities are being utilized in the delivery of welfare services, which reflects a broader trend of neoliberal restructuring. This research is critical in understanding the intersection of gender, civil society, and state politics, especially in how these dynamics support or challenge the existing political and cultural hegemony in Turkey. Additionally, it provides insights into the implications of state policies on civil society's structure and function, particularly in authoritarian contexts, and the resulting socio-political bifurcations within the women's movement. Key Takeaways: 1. Neoliberal Welfare Reorientation: The AKP-led government in Turkey has shifted welfare service delivery to NGOs, particularly faith-based women's NGOs, highlighting a neoliberal approach that aligns with its conservative, Islamic cultural hegemony. 2. State-Civil Society Dynamics: The study underscores the complex relationship between the state and civil society in Turkey, where NGOs are both empowered and constrained by selective state policies, reflecting broader global neoliberal trends. 3. Gender and Political Implications: The empowerment of faith-based women's NGOs at the expense of secular ones signifies a broader socio-political impact on gender dynamics, contributing to the conservative discourse on family and gender issues under the AKP's governance.