FEMALE EMPLOYMENT AND CARE ECONOMY IN TURKEY

Year 2019, Volume: 22 Issue: 1, 69 - 95, 29.04.2019

Meltem İnce Yenilmez

https://doi.org/10.18490/sosars.559091

Abstract

This paper examines gender employment
impact of expanding the early childhood care and preschool education (ECCPE)
sector in Turkey. Underinvestment in social care thus takes its toll on the
country’s long-term economic potential through weakened labour force
attachment, and diminished childhood development. This neglect of care economy
projects reflects a gender bias in economic thinking as women are more
represented in caring work. Investing in the care industries would generate
increases in employment and add to growth, with a higher proportion going to women,
as they would now be free to take up many of such jobs. It would also narrow
the gender employment and earnings gaps. In addition, the government at various levels could
start by eliminating gender bias in the laws; take necessary measures to
establish, operate, and allocate funds for childcare facilities; come up with
initiatives like reinstating and reviewing the laws mandating private sector
employers to set up nurseries for both male and female staff and provide
childcare services in the workplace. 

Keywords

Care Economy, Women Empowerment, Female Employment, Gender Equality

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