Description:

The case of Turkey reveals exceptional patterns regarding the relationship between democratization and local politics. Within this context, the analysis of the data from two distinct field researches on representation of women in local politics offers unique conceptual tools and experiences. Even though the descriptive level of representation is low at the local level, female politicians find a space to ‘act for’ women. Keyman Visiting Scholar Senem Yildirim will discuss how substantive representation is possible through the reproduction of already existing gender roles and, sometimes, the deliberate rejection of being a political subject.

Senem Yildirim is an assistant professor of political science and public administration at Antalya AKEV University, Turkey. Her research mainly focuses on the public-private divide in contemporary political theory, the gendered nature of this dichotomy, and the concepts of social, political, and civil society. Her publications have appeared in journals such as British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies (2017), Theory in Action (2016), The European Legacy: Toward New Paradigms (2014) and Southeast European and Black Sea Studies (2011). She received her doctorate in political science in 2011 from Turkey’s Bilkent University, where she also completed her undergraduate degree. She was previously a visiting researcher at UIC. 

The Buffett Institute Faculty & Fellows Colloquium brings together an interdisciplinary audience to build awareness of global research on campus. This series promotes dialogue on scholarship and develops a deeper sense of community among Buffett Institute affiliates. Each meeting lasts one hour; lunch is provided. Due to space constraints, we will not admit attendees once the space reaches capacity.