The Image of “Woman” in Turkish Political and Social Thought: On the Implications of Social Constructionism and Biological Essentialism

Abstract

This article critically evaluates the writings of two well‐known intellectuals, Ismayıl Hakkı Baltacıoğlu (1886–1978) and Vâlâ Nureddin (Vâ‐Nû) (1901–1967), and seeks to assess the implications of social constructionism and biological essentialism for the formation of Republican woman’s identity as presented in the works of these authors respectively. The central aim of the article is to reveal and re‐appraise the patriarchal mentality underlying Turkish political and social thought by examining the connections between social constructionism and essentialism, as two main factors reinforcing gender inequality in the context of Turkish modernization and the nation‐building process. Firstly, it is argued that the works of both authors reflect the dominant gender structure in Turkey, grounded on the subordinate position of women. Despite their divergent positions, neither of the authors provides openings for gender equality. Baltacıoğlu advocates social constructionism emphasizing the socio‐cultural at the expense of the natural during the identity formation process while Nureddin supports a biologically essentialist world view based on the “allotted” nature of the female. Baltacıoğlu’s social constructionism leads to gender (in)equality based on “sameness,” within the contours of the public life whereas biological essentialism of Vâ‐Nû, signifies an ontological rejection of gender equality. Secondly, it is argued that both of the authors adopt a functionalist perspective emphasizing the reproductive function of women for men, family and nation and approach the issue of woman’s identity within framework of the tradition‐modernity continuum.