Wertewandel in der Türkei über die letzten drei Jahrzehnte (1990-2018): Religiosität, Geschlechtergleichheit, Toleranz und Demokratie

According to the Evolutionary Modernization Theory increasing economic and physical security in a country will result in a transition from material to post-material values, such as increasing endorsement of individual liberty, equality and democratic rule. The present research verifies this theory using Turkey as an example. It examines potential changes in values and attitudes in the Turkish population over the last three centuries and explores possible differences between generations. The focus of the research is on religiosity, as well as the acceptance of gender equality, diversity and different forms of government.
The study is based on data from the World Value Surveys (WVS). The analyses show that a value change is taking place in Turkey, but only partially in line with theoretical expectations for highly developed countries. Some indicators, such as the adherence to traditional societal and gender norms, rather point to a feeling of existential insecurity. Except for the last few years, no overall increase in secularization can be observed. While younger generations appear to be less religious and more tolerant towards homosexuality, there is little difference in their acceptance of gender equality. Interestingly both demand for political participation as well as acceptance of autocratic government appear to be on the rise in the overall population.
While the analyses allow for interesting conclusions, the results also show that an observation period of thirty years is still not long enough to do justice to a complex and historically rich country like Turkey.