Poverty In Turkey Research Articles

Review of The Muslim Social: Neoliberalism, Charity, and Poverty in Turkey, 2024, Syracuse University Press. ISBN: 9780815638261 (Hardcover)

Review of The Muslim Social: Neoliberalism, Charity, and Poverty in Turkey, 2024, Syracuse University Press. ISBN: 9780815638261 (Hardcover)

Microfinance as A Strategy for Alleviating Women's Poverty in Turkey: An Analytical Study Focused on Eskisehir

Microfinance as A Strategy for Alleviating Women's Poverty in Turkey: An Analytical Study Focused on Eskisehir

Examining entry and exit rates of poverty in Turkey: A dynamic probit regression analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to add to the current poverty dynamics literature by investigating the underlying causes of poverty persistence in Turkey, with an emphasis on both entry and exit rates.
 Methods: The study analyzes data from the Turkish Statistical Institute's "Survey on Income and Living Conditions" from 2018 to 2021 using dynamic probit models. This large dataset, which gives a detailed picture of socioeconomic situations, helps in properly understanding the complex aspects influencing poverty rates.
 Findings: The analysis reveals significant poverty persistence in Turkey, influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, employment, and health conditions. According to the research, these variables frequently interact, forming a complex structure that maintains poverty throughout the country.
 Implications: The findings necessitate targeted interventions to address persistent poverty, considering the diverse influencing factors. This could lead to a reduction in poverty rates and improved socioeconomic conditions for individuals.
 Originality/Value: This study offers a unique perspective on poverty dynamics in Turkey, focusing on both entry and exit rates. It provides valuable insights for those formulating policies or strategies aimed at poverty reduction, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation.

Impact of social expenditures on multidimensional poverty in Turkey

Reducing poverty is a critical priority for developing countries. Despite the government allocating approximately 13% of the GDP to social support expenditures, poverty affects around 15% of the population in Turkey. However, there is a need for more research that measures the effects of social expenditures, which is a fundamental tool in the fight against poverty, while also considering the current developments in poverty measurement methods. This study aims to measure the impact of social support expenditures on poverty in Turkey. The study compares a multidimensional poverty approach to a one-dimensional approach. The effects of social support expenditures on households in Turkey were analyzed using econometric methods. The study finds that multidimensional poverty values are approximately 2.5 times higher than one-dimensional values. Government spending was found to have no impact on multidimensional poverty, while private expenditure had a relatively minor impact. The paper concludes by discussing the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of government social expenditures in Turkey.

Evaluating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on unemployment, income distribution and poverty in Turkey

In the recent World Economic Outlook, the IMF indicates that world output shrank by 3.5% in 2020. Despite all pessimistic expectations, the Turkish economy was one of the few countries to have a positive, albeit low, economic growth rate in 2020. This was, however, achieved at the expense of high social and economic costs. The present research examines the distributional costs of this economic growth during the pandemic and suggests economic measures required to control them. The empirical examination is based on generating unavailable income and living conditions for 2020 by using the results available in TurkStat’s 2017 Income and Living Conditions Survey. The actual changes in sectoral output and employment, which are available as of March 2021, are used to generate changes in the income levels of households in TurkStat’s 2017 survey. The research empirically shows that adequate fiscal support with a large scope for households and businesses is necessary to compensate for economic losses caused by the pandemic. The short-run working allowance policy appears to have been very important to improve income distribution, which might have deteriorated due to the pandemic. Direct cash support to households is considered another essential policy measure that is required to mitigate the severity of increased poverty.

Determinants of the Attribution of Poverty in Turkey: An Empirical Analysis

This study explored poverty attribution in terms of socio-economic factors, based on a survey of 1,110 participants living Turkey’s three largest cities, namely Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. We include the following socio-economic variables: income, subjective class status, subjective destiny perception, education level, political position, gender, marital status, and age. Participants with higher education levels mostly explain poverty using structural reasons whereas participants with lower education levels tend to explain it with fatalistic reasons. Left- wing participants tend to explain poverty in terms of structural factors for reasons whereas right-wing participants tend to give individualistic reasons. Finally, men tend to offer more individualistic attributions of poverty than women do. Individualistic and structuralist approaches agree on several specific policies for reducing poverty whereas the fatalistic approach suggests different policies.

Financial inclusion and poverty: evidence from Turkish household survey data

ABSTRACT Even though poverty is highly felt in developing economies, the lack of relevant and complete micro-level data limits understanding which households are more exposed to poverty and the role of financial inclusion in poverty in these countries. This research analyzes the effects of financial inclusion proxied by a multidimensional index on three poverty measures (the lowest-income poverty line, a lower-middle-income line, and an upper-middle-income line) by employing the recent Turkish Household Budget and Consumption Expenditure Survey data with 11,595 complete answers. In addition to the application of logistic regressions, this study addresses possible endogeneity issues by using access to the nearest bank as an instrument in a two-stage least-squares regression and employing the novel method as a robustness check. Empirical results point out that an increase in financial inclusion decreases poverty in Turkey. The adverse effect of financial inclusion on poverty is validated through a few robustness and sensitivity analyses. The outcome also indicates that health expenditure and income are essential through which poverty is influenced by financial inclusion. Thus, policies are required to enhance the financial inclusion of households to alleviate poverty. Further discussions are presented in this study.

The Impact of Food Inflation on Poverty in Turkey

Bu çalışma gıda enflasyonu ile yoksulluk arasındaki ilişkiyi 2016-2019 yılları arasındaTürkiye özelinde TÜİK’in Hanehalkı Bütçe Anketi kullanılarak analiz etmektedir. Bu analizi yaparken çok terimli logit regresyon modeli kullanılmıştır. Bu modelde yoksulluk sınırı bağımlı değişken olarak ele alınırken, bağımsız değişkenler ise gıda enflasyonu, hane halklarının yapısı, harcaması, yaşadıkları mülkiyetteki durumu, ödenilen kira tutarları sigara ve alkol alışkanlığı, özel sigorta yaptırıp yaptırmadıkları, kredi kartı kulanımı, pazara gitme alışkanlıklarıdır. Bunların yanı sıra ülkedeki yoksul olma durumunun ölçülmesinde kullanılan cep telefonu, bilgisayar, televizyon, buzdolabı, bulaşık ve çamaşır makinesi, otomobil sayısı ve dışarıda ne kadar yemek yenildiği de açıklayıcı değişken olarak kullanılmıştır. Sonuç olarak gıda fiyatlarındaki artışın yoksulluğu arttırdığı görülmüştür.

The Topography and Sources of Multidimensional Poverty in Turkey

Economic inequality and poverty have been extensively analyzed in monetary terms. However, other aspects of poverty, such as education, health, environment and standards of living are important factors, essential for human well-being and capabilities. Using a host of non-monetary aspects of poverty, this paper sheds light on the geographical distribution of multidimensional poverty in Turkey. Results from survey data highlight that the regional distribution non-monetary dimensions of poverty is conspicuously different than that of relative monetary poverty in Turkey. Unlike the relative monetary poverty rate, multidimensional poverty measurement reflects the regional underdevelopment problem of Turkey. On the contrary, once monetary poverty is considered in absolute terms, multidimensional and absolute monetary poverty have a similar geographical pattern. Moreover, the decomposition analyses point out that females, old disabled and socially excluded individuals suffer the most from multidimensional poverty. Our combined results show that the isolated eastern regions realize the highest poverty and deprivation at each decomposition level.

A Comparative Study on Determinants of Child Poverty in Turkey and European Countries

In this study, which aims to express the children who will play the most important role in the development of societies and their inequality problems; child poverty in Turkey and European countries are discussed comparatively. Child poverty; It can be defined as a multidimensional set of deprivations that make it difficult for children to participate in society as full and equal individuals later in their lives. A generally accepted definition and measurement method of child poverty, which differs from adult poverty, offers researchers as well as the opportunity to develop and monitor sound poverty reduction targets and strategies for policy makers. In this study, both before and after social transfers social transfers in Turkey, the child poverty rate in the European is seen as among the top three countries with the highest. It has also been observed that the poverty rate in children is significantly higher compared to adult poverty and general poverty levels. Problems in primary distribution regarding child poverty could not be solved as a result of secondary distribution. This situation points to the limitation of policies and an important representation problem. It has also been observed that the poverty rate in children is significantly higher compared to adult poverty and general poverty levels. According to the results from comparative charts and analyzes, similar to the studies and discussions on child poverty; It is possible to say that focusing on policies and regulations regarding the education sector and the labor market are the most important steps in combating child poverty.

An applied study on women's poverty in Turkey in the context of the capability approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to present a detailed picture of the poverty conditions of women in Turkey in the context of the capability approach. In other words, it is to analyze their perception of how much women in Turkey can benefit from economic opportunities, political freedoms and social opportunities and to what degree they can have protective security services and transparency assurance.Design/methodology/approachThe field study was conducted in seven cities across Turkey with 741 women. Data from the field study were gathered by using the survey method. A 5-point Likert scale that was developed by the researchers and comprised of 39 statements.FindingsAccording to the scale means of the instrumental freedoms obtained from the survey study, it cannot be claimed that women in Turkey have a completely negative perception of all of the instrumental freedoms. However, if the instrumental freedoms are compared to each other, it is seen that the participants have different perceptions of these instrumental freedoms.Originality/valueThis study basically discusses the issues of women's poverty and freedom in Turkey. In this context, the capability approach by Amartya Sen and capability deprivation; in other words, “being deprived of capabilities”, that is prominent in this approach form the basis of the study. The issue of women's poverty in Turkey is dealt with through deprivations in this study in contrast to the poverty conceptualizations through the individuals' income or expenditure levels.

Democratic and Educational Background of Information Poverty: The Case of Turkey

Information poverty is one of the most significant characteristics of developing countries and its causes include multiple complex factors, including educational, scientific and technological contexts, political, social and cultural structures, democratic quality, and humanitarian conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine the situation of information poverty in Turkey, focusing on its democratic and educational aspects. In the scope of the study the basic concept of information poverty is briefly introduced. Then, the particular case of Turkey is presented based on domestic and international literature and other public and official sources. The study concludes Turkey is one of the countries which suffers from information poverty, because of failing to fulfill minimal democratic and educational conditions. Associated problems covered do not seem to be solved in the short term. Recommendations are that the first step in the amelioration of information poverty must be awareness-raising by targeting all governmental and societal segments. A multidimensional approach that addresses all segments and policies of the country may be useful, because there is no single factor that explains the information poverty. Finally, librarians and other intellectual workers have a significant role to play in this process.

Benevolence Attitudes of Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations’ Personnel According to Their Administrative Profiles: A Qualitative Research in the Case of Sakarya Turkey

Social assistance, as in the world today is an important mechanism in the fight against poverty in Turkey. Social assistance and solidarity foundations in Turkey are active institutions that provide the functionality of this mechanism. Although these foundations are important in terms of social policy; it is possible to evaluate the profiles, career problems, communication skills and benevolence attitudes of the personnel of the foundation with the human resources discipline. This research has been created based on the question of what kind of relationship is between the profiles and benevolence attitudes of foundation personnel. Turkey Sakarya in all a foundation within the sixteen districts of the province in total personnel made a qualitative research data analysis provided by in-depth interviews and findings have been obtained by combining the coding method similar answers. The study was shaped in the field research process of a thesis that was not published with the qualitative research method in the context of social policy when a foundation staff emphasized the need to look at the subject from their viewpoint. Interview questions were reconsidered and this study was directed with the idea that sufficient information was provided, and analyses and evaluations were made.

The Effect of Internal Migration on Regional Poverty in Turkey: The Determining Role of the Agricultural Sector

Turkiye’de goc ve yoksulluk ozellikle 1990’li yillar sonrasinda birbiriyle kesisen kavramlar haline gelmistir. Kentlerde yasayan ve yasamini sosyal yardimlara bagli olarak surduren kesimlerin buyuk cogunlugu bu donem sonrasinda goc eden kisilerden olusmaktadir. Bu surecte ic goc beraberinde istihdam baskilarini arttirirken, yoksul sayisindaki artis da buna eslik etmistir. Bu calismada da Turkiye’de ozellikle tarim sektorunu terk eden bireylerin, sanayi ve hizmetler sektorlerinin yogun oldugu bolgelere goc etmeleriyle birlikte yoksullugun nasil degistigi incelenmektedir. Yoksullugu etkileyen diger faktorler yaninda, ozellikle ic gocun 2008-2014 donemindeki olasi etkilerini ortaya koymak adina olusturulan model, panel veri analizi ile tahmin edilmistir. Yapilan tahminin ardindan, tarimin istihdam ve uretim bakimindan goreli olarak one ciktigi bolgelerden kaynakli gocun ulkedeki toplam yoksul sayisini azalttigi soylenebilir. Bu da is bulma amaciyla tarim sektorunu terk edip sanayi ve hizmetlere yonelimin gelir artisiyla sonuclandigini ve yoksullugun azaltilmasi bakimindan olumlu etkilerinin oldugunu ortaya koymaktadir. Ayrica istihdam kapasitesi bakimindan basta gelen bolgelerden olan TR1-Istanbul’a yonelik yasanan gocun ulkedeki toplam yoksul sayisini etkileme derecesi, diger bolgelerden ayrismaktadir.

Energy Poverty in Turkey

Access to energy is a prerequisite for human development. For this reason, the concept of energy poverty is carefully monitored by the United Nations and the European Union within the scope of “Sustainable Development” objectives. In this study, energy poverty is conceptually investigated, and the data related to the current energy consumption and the main indicators of energy poverty in various countries were examined. Moreover, socioeconomic characteristics of energy poor households in Turkey were examined with the help of the 2017 Household Budget Survey data set. According to the most recent data available, about one-quarter of households in Turkey are energy poor while nearly half of the households, which have the lowest income levels, were found to carry the risk of facing energy poverty. For the richest households, this rate is only 3.48%. Additionally, the share of energy poor households was observed to decrease from 2003 to 2017.

THE ROLE OF ZAKAT POTENTIAL IN REDUCING POVERTY IN TURKEY

Poverty has been the leading social and economic problem of societies both in the past and today for the decades. This study examines the status of poverty in the Turkish economy and the role of zakat in poverty reduction. The zakat potential is analyzed in three methods and it is concluded that poverty in Turkey could be completely resolved via a potential zakat fund. It is suggested that to reduce poverty in Turkey, zakat should be enforced by favor of the state and it should be based on institutional foundations.

Does the unification of health financing affect the distribution pattern of out‐of‐pocket health expenses in Turkey?

Turkey has implemented health reforms for over a decade and has taken significant steps toward unifying health financing. This study investigated the financial burden associated with out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenditures under universal health coverage, using national 2003–2015 household budget data from the Turkish Statistical Institute. Progress was evaluated using Kakwani–Suits indices and Lorenz concentration curves. The results indicate that overall, more than a decade after its unification, redistribution of wealth in the Turkish health financing system has benefitted the wealthy but not the poor. Both curve and index approaches (Kakwani index 2003 = −0.50; 2015 = −0.44) reveal an increasingly regressive pattern of OOP health expenditures. The effective use of fiscal space and good political leadership are essential for the successful continuation of reforms to combat poverty in Turkey.

Women’s Poverty in Turkey, Causes and Combat Methods

Yoksulluk, evrensel boyutları olan, ülkelerin toplumsal ve ekonomik yapısına, coğrafi
 ve kültürel özelliklerine göre değişen tanımları yapılan, geniş tartışma alanına sahip bir
 kavramdır. Günümüzde yoksulluğun küresel bir nitelik kazandığı, temel gereksinimlerin
 karşılanması ya da topluma entegre olma gibi temel ekonomik ve sosyal sorunları beraberinde getirdiği görülmektedir. Yoksulluk sürecinin, kadın ve erkekler üzerinde farklı etkileri bulunmaktadır. Bu noktada çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’de kadın yoksulluğunun nedenleri
 ve mücadele yöntemlerini araştırmaktır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda literatür incelenerek tespitlerde bulunulmuştur. Araştırma sonucunda Türkiye’de kadın yoksulluğunun erkeklere
 oranla daha fazla olduğu ve bu eşitsizliğin giderilmesi için farklı kesimlerce çalışmaların
 yapılması gerektiği vurgulanmıştır.

Social Policy and the Dynamics of Early Childhood Poverty in Turkey

This paper analyses the dynamics of child poverty in Turkey using a nationally representative four-year panel. The results show that 51.4% of 0–6-year-olds are touched by poverty over a four-year period, which is substantially higher than the cross-sectional head count ratio of 32.2%. Totally 30% of the poor children or 15.4% of the child population experience poverty for the entire observation window. Furthermore, nearly half experience severe material deprivation. Although we find substantial movements in and out of poverty, the exit rate is lower and the entry rate is higher than the rates reported for the total population and those reported in the literature for children in developed countries. The limited amount of social assistance available to children in Turkey means that children’s welfare depends heavily on the labour market outcomes of their parents. Children who live in households headed by younger and less-educated persons without work or in precarious employment are more likely to be persistent poor and face persistent severe material deprivation.

Dışarıda ve Dışında Olmak: Yoksul Gençlerin Mekânla İlişkileri

The relationships of women and youths, who have both been described in studies on poverty in Turkey as the most disadvantaged groups, to the city and venues has not been adequately addressed. Exclusion from venues, a manifestation of social exclusion, has been said to create many problems in the daily lives of impoverished youths. In this context, the process of spatial exclusion plays an important role in shaping youths’ daily lives and their life choices. Impoverished youths’ establishment of a relationship with locales needs to be the subject of both poverty and youth researches as a variable. In this study, the process of spatial exclusion for impoverished youths and the problems that this brings has been discussed on the basis of this necessity. In this context, spatial exclusion practices on impoverished youths were evaluated from the data of poverty and youth-related field studies conducted in Turkey. The field research data used in this study was mostly based on qualitative research. This study has concluded that in order to ensure spatial inclusion for impoverished youths who have been excluded from venues and remain apart is the basic approach of the capacity to experience. Experiencing requires being at a venue together with the people who have created it; experiencing requires contact. This experience makes it possible for one to call one’s self into being both socially and spatially