100 Years of Transformation of the Turkish Labor Market
Chapter from the book:
Çifçi,
İ.
&
Kılıç,
R.
(eds.)
2024.
A 100-Year Panorama of the Turkish Economy I.
Synopsis
This study examines the structural transformations in labor and workforce markets in Türkiye from the foundation of the Republic to the present, within historical, economic, and technological contexts. It analyzes Türkiye's 100-year labor market development by dividing it into four main periods: the Early Republican Era, industrialization and urbanization (1950–1980), economic and social transformations (1980–2000), and globalization with technological change (2000–2023). During the Early Republican Era, the transition from an agriculture-based economy to industry was targeted, but due to the effects of wars, the labor market relied heavily on female and child labor. In this period, the first policies regulating workers' rights, social security, and working conditions were implemented. Between 1950 and 1980, industrialization and urbanization accelerated, and internal migration increased; however, the development process was hindered by economic crises and inadequate policies. After 1980, neoliberal policies and globalization led to flexible labor markets and an outward-oriented economy. Yet, rising unemployment and persistent inequalities in the labor market remained significant challenges. In the 2000s, technological advancements shifted labor demand towards skilled capabilities, but structural issues such as the informal sector and insufficient employment persisted. The chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating education, technological adaptation, and employment policies to ensure the sustainability of Türkiye’s labor markets.