Turkish Gender Studies’ Scholars: Balancing Academic and Emotional Turbulence

Abstract Against the backdrop of global transformations in science policy and higher education, this study examines the profound shifts induced by anti-gender mobilizations and the precarious nature of academic labor. Focusing on the interplay of illiberal governance and neoliberal measures, particularly within Turkish academia, we investigate their impact on gender studies. Through fifteen in-depth interviews with Turkish academics specializing in gender studies, our findings reveal a challenging academic landscape marked by precarious conditions, fierce competition, and a dearth of long-term career prospects. This complex environment hinders the production of scientific knowledge and hampers scholars’ ability to fully engage with and emotionally invest in their work. The study underscores structural pressures emanating from governmental, institutional, and societal barriers, alongside individual pressures within Turkish academia. By calling into question the sustainability of the university system, this study emphasizes the pressing the pressing need for a re-evaluation of current practices.