Araştırma Makalesi

Women’s Cooperatives as Agents of Social Transformation and the Local Economy: A Content Analysis

Cilt: 18 Sayı: Uluslararası Girişimcilik Sosyal Bilimler Kongresi Özel Sayısı 30 Ekim 2025
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Women’s Cooperatives as Agents of Social Transformation and the Local Economy: A Content Analysis

Abstract

In Türkiye, women’s labor has long been considered invisible work, particularly evident in rural areas, where it is been limited to unpaid family labor and informal employment. In recent years, the growing number of women's cooperatives has transformed this invisible labor into significant organizations that makes this invisible labor visible economically, socially, and culturally. This study examines women's cooperatives' contributions to sustainable development and how women are empowered at individual, social, and institutional levels. The research questions focus on the impact of women's cooperatives on the local economy and social development, which themes are most prominent, and how support mechanisms operate. The research data were obtained from 12 episodes of the program Hayallerinin Peşinde (In Pursuit of Dreams), broadcast by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) which features women's cooperatives in the Central Anatolia Region. The data was analyzed using a directed content analysis method and classified under five main themes and their corresponding sub-themes. The findings show that women are represented not only in production processes but also as active actors in technical skills, entrepreneurial culture, decision-making, and leadership. Additionally, while family support emerged as a key factor, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) were found to be limited. In conclusion, the study highlights that women's cooperatives play a critical role in sustainable development, gender equality, and the visibility of women's labor; it offers a cultural and discursive dimension beyond the economic-focused research in the literature.

Keywords

Kaynakça

  1. Adar, A. Ş., & Dedeoğlu, S. (2023). The impact of women's cooperatives on women's empowerment in Turkey. Fe Journal: Feminist Critique, 15(2), 8–49.
  2. Adar, A., Dedeoğlu, S., & Kurtuluş, G. (2024). The paradox of between women's cooperatives and cooperative principles in Turkey. Public Administration Journal, 57(4).
  3. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı. (2018). Women's Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan.2018-2023. https://www.aile.gov.tr/KSGM/PDF/kadinin_guclenmesi_strateji_ve_eylem_plani.pdf
  4. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı. (2024). Women's Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan 2024–2028. https://kadingirisimci.gov.tr/yayinlar/2024-2028-kadinin-guclenmesi-strateji-belgesi-ve-eylem-plani/
  5. Akgül, D. (2021). The contributions of the Baciyân-Rum and the TOBB women entrepreneurs boards on women's participation in business life. Politics, Economics and Administrative Sciences Journal of Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, Special Issue, 114–131.
  6. Akkaya, F. A. (2018). The importance of women cooperatives in sustainable rural tourism in Turkey and analysis of their financial performance [Doctoral dissertation, Inonu University, Department of Business Administration, Accounting and Finance Division].
  7. Başaran, H., & Irmak, E. (2022). The importance of cooperatives in local product production and local women's entrepreneurship in Devrek. Ahi Evran Academy, 3(1), 19–31.
  8. Chen, M., Sebstad, J., & O’Connell, L. (1999). Counting the invisible workforce: The case of homebased workers. World Development, 27(3), 603–610.

Ayrıntılar

Birincil Dil

İngilizce

Konular

Kalkınma Coğrafyası

Bölüm

Araştırma Makalesi

Erken Görünüm Tarihi

30 Ekim 2025

Yayımlanma Tarihi

30 Ekim 2025

Gönderilme Tarihi

26 Ağustos 2025

Kabul Tarihi

26 Ekim 2025

Yayımlandığı Sayı

Yıl 2025 Cilt: 18 Sayı: Uluslararası Girişimcilik Sosyal Bilimler Kongresi Özel Sayısı

Kaynak Göster

APA
Göç, K. (2025). Women’s Cooperatives as Agents of Social Transformation and the Local Economy: A Content Analysis. Kent Akademisi, 18(Uluslararası Girişimcilik Sosyal Bilimler Kongresi Özel Sayısı), 128-145. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1772219

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