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THE FUTURE OF THE WELFARE STATE AND SOCİAL WELFARE İN TURKEY

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Assistant Professor Dr. Nurten Ebru ÖZDEMİR

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Introduction

  • This study aims to analyze the future and transformation of the concept of the welfare state and welfare policies in Turkey within the framework of welfare typologies, and to reveal possible directions for the future of welfare.

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Study Aim and Significance

  • Aim: Analyze the future and transformation of the welfare state and welfare policies in Turkey within the framework of welfare typologies.
  • Reveal possible directions for the future of welfare
  • Significance: Understanding the impact of global neoliberal policies on local practices

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Welfare Typologies – Esping-Andersen

  • Three types of welfare regimes:
  • - Liberal (Anglo-Saxon)
  • - Conservative/Corporatist (Continental Europe)
  • - Social Democratic (Scandinavian)
  • Differences based on state role, market relationship, family responsibility, and rights-based Access.
  • Visual: Comparative chart

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Characteristics of Welfare Regimes

  • Liberal: Minimal state intervention, market dominance, individual responsibility
  • Conservative/Corporatist: Status-based entitlements, family complementarity, limited labor incentives
  • Social Democratic: Egalitarian, universalist, high social expenditure, strong public sector
  • Visual: Side-by-side comparison table

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Turkey’s Hybrid Welfare Model

  • Turkey exhibits a hybrid structure: partially Social Democratic, Corporatist, and Liberal
  • Marketization has transformed welfare into a “workfare”-centered system
  • Expansion of non-state actors, evolving governance model
  • Visual: Hybrid model diagram

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Transformations in Turkey‘s Social Policy

  • Post-1980s neoliberal globalization: state withdrawal, privatization, restricted social spending
  • Shift from universal to selective welfare
  • Assistance-based social practices increased, weakening classical welfare functions
  • Marketization of social policy, workfare approach
  • Privatization and reduction of social expenditure
  • Visual: Timeline of policy changes

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Impact on Citizens

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  • Reduced protection against social risks for disadvantaged groups
  • Erosion of rights-based citizenship
  • Visual: Infographic showing inequality and risk

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Global and Local Challenges

  • Economic crises, political instability, pandemics, wars, disasters affect welfare understanding
  • Globalization, Industry 5.0, development disparities challenge single classification models
  • Visual: Global crises map

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Limitations of Current Welfare Typologies

  • Traditional typologies insufficient for current conditions
  • Need for revision due to changing world order, demographic shifts, and diversified social needs
  • Visual: Old vs. new typology schematic

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Recommendations for Flexible Approaches

  • Multi-layered, region-specific social policies
  • Cooperation among families, markets, and state actors
  • Locally sensitive, participatory, and holistic welfare system
  • Flexible, multi-layered social policy structure
  • Region-specific policies rather than one-size-fits-all
  • Collaboration between family, market, and state
  • Visual: Multi-level policy diagram

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Research Methodology

  • Qualitative methods: literature review, document analysis
  • Sources: National/international policy documents, legal regulations, strategic reports, TÜİK data
  • Comparative analyses: regional (EU) and international (OECD, World Bank) frameworks
  • Visual: Research process illustration

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Comparative Analysis

  • Identify similarities and differences with other countries
  • Turkey does not fit neatly into traditional typologies
  • Visual: Comparative table or chart

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Future of Welfare in Turkey

  • Critical questions:
  • - Extent of state social protection responsibilities
  • - Control over marketization Dynamics
  • - Revitalization of social justice principle
  • Visual: Future projection infographic

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Transitional Welfare Typology

  • Turkey moving toward transitional welfare typology
  • Weakening of the welfare state principle
  • Visual: Transitional model diagram

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Policy Recommendations

  • Return to redistributive and inclusive approaches
  • Develop holistic and participatory social policies
  • Ensure sustainability of welfare state principles
  • Visual: Strategy infographic

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Conclusion

  • Welfare state future linked to economic conditions and political preferences
  • Holistic and inclusive strategies essential for sustainability
  • Visual: Summary diagram

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References

  • Esping-Andersen, G. (1990). The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism.
  • Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK)
  • National and international reports and documents

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