Turkey's Shift: How Government-backed NGOs Shape Antigender Discourses

What is it about?

The article examines the role of government-supported women's NGOs (GO-NGOs) in Turkey in reinforcing the neoliberal, conservative, and antigender discourses of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Since the 2000s, Turkey has experienced de-democratization, with a shift from gender equality to concepts like gender justice and equity. The study, based on interviews and document reviews, highlights how these NGOs contribute to the antigender narrative by aligning with the government's ideologies. Three key findings are highlighted: the redefinition of gender equality, the portrayal of women as equal but different, and the legitimization of antigenderism through the concepts of gender justice, equity, and fitrat. The article uses discursive governance theory to demonstrate how these NGOs facilitate the dissemination and normalization of the government's conservative gender discourses.

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Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is crucial as it sheds light on the role of government-supported women's NGOs in Turkey and their contribution to the construction and dissemination of antigender and antiwomen's rights discourses, particularly under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. It highlights the strategic use of such organizations to propagate a conservative and neoliberal agenda through discursive governance, impacting public perception and policy regarding gender equality. Understanding this dynamic is essential for comprehending the broader sociopolitical shifts in Turkey and similar contexts where government influence over civil society organizations is used to reinforce specific ideological narratives. Key Takeaways: 1. Redefinition of Gender Terms: The study highlights a significant shift in the discourse of gender equality in Turkey, where terms like "gender justice" and "gender equity" have replaced traditional notions of gender equality, suggesting a conservative reinterpretation of women's roles. 2. Strategic Narrative Construction: Government-supported NGOs play a pivotal role in crafting and normalizing the AKP's antigender narrative, indicating a strategic use of discursive governance to align public perception with the government's conservative ideology. 3. Influence of Political Elites: The research underscores the power of political elites in shaping societal beliefs and norms through mediated channels, including government-supported NGOs, demonstrating how these narratives become ingrained and accepted societal realities.