He is narrating: tracing masculinist protection in presidents’ speeches in Turkey
Turkish Studies, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/14683849.2026.2727731
- Journal Name: Turkish Studies
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Historical Abstracts, Index Islamicus, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Political Science Complete, Public Affairs Index, MLA International Bibliography, Political Science Abstract (IPSA), Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: infantile citizen, Masculinist protection, presidents, Turkey
- TED University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This article explores how masculinist protection and subordinated subjectivity are reproduced and transformed through nationalism and masculinism in Turkish Presidents' Republic Day speeches. Comparing the speeches of İnönü and Erdoğan across distinct political contexts, it examines gendered discursive patterns in constructions of national identity, citizenship, desirable citizens and state-society relations. Through discourse analysis, the article identifies both recurring and changing patriarchal tropes. It contributes to the ‘father state tradition’ literature by introducing a historically contingent understanding of masculinities and revealing the often-hidden alignment between nationalism and masculinist protection, bringing the concept of the infantile citizen into dialogue with dominating masculinities.