Ethnic conflict and gender inequality in education: the case of Turkey


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Kilinc R., Neathery-Castro J., Akyüz Tursun S.

TURKISH STUDIES, vol.19, no.3, pp.400-421, 2018 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 19 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/14683849.2017.1392860
  • Journal Name: TURKISH STUDIES
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.400-421
  • Keywords: Gender inequality, ethnic conflict, education, Kurdish conflict, Turkey, HAYDI-KIZLAR-OKULA, SCHOOL ENROLLMENT, KURDISH, GIRLS, ATTAINMENT, PATRIARCHY, CAMPAIGN, LANGUAGE, POLICY, STATE
  • TED University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Although conflict remains a major obstacle to development in many areas of the world, its impact on education has been rarely studied. This article investigates the relationship between conflict and gender equality, focusing on the schooling of the girls in the conflict-ridden regions of Turkey. Patriarchy is the most important determinant of low educational levels among girls in Southeastern Turkey. However, ethnic conflict exacerbates male-dominant traditions and blocks economic development, reinforcing patriarchal norms and limiting girls' school attendance. Yet, by provoking political mobilization around a Kurdish identity, ethnic conflict may undermine patriarchy and unintentionally promote girls' education.