Women in Turkish tourism

Abstract

The tourism sector in Turkey has grown considerably since the early 1970s. This change has many effects, including the working conditions of women. It is a fact that tourism is an industry that affects women's employment in profoundly and positively and provides many opportunities for women. The aim of this study is to reveal what kind of achievements women gained in the history of Turkish tourism by their entrance into the sector and its development. The method of oral history, which can convey unrecorded data, is used. In this study, 18 people were interviewed. Interviewees were selected among tourism employees like housekeepers, managers and tour guides; as well as those who do not participate in the tourism workforce, but are residents of touristic destinations. The questions are prepared in accordance with subjects such as the working conditions of women, the economic structure of Turkey, the social status of women in daily life and their status at work and in tourism sector from past to present. The findings of the research are examined in the chapter on women's introduction to tourism, their entrepreneurship and their work in non-family businesses. As a result of the research, it has been concluded that tourism has transformed the traditions in the Turkish society and the women, who began to work in their homes firstly, gained strength in both economic, social and individual terms by entering the business and utilizing the opportunities that tourism has provided