Social Welfare Practices of the State and NGOs in Turkey: New Trends and Necessities

Abstract

This study will discuss the changes in the social welfare practices of Turkey after the year 2000. In order to assess the extent of these changes, government practices and the activities of social welfare non-governmental organizations have been analyzed. Data has been collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis using the qualitative research method. In-depth interviews were carried out with people working in public institutions and in NGOs. As a result of this research, it can be concluded that there has been a quantitative and qualitative increase in both government and NGO activities compared to previous years. Also, contrary to popular belief, the total amount of financial aid provided by NGOs in Turkey has been found to be less than that of public institutions. However, despite the quantitative increase, both groups appear to be insufficient at producing mechanisms for eliminating social exclusion, one of the biggest causes for the manifestation of poverty. It is therefore recommended that social welfare providers in Turkey, especially NGOs should work on the problem of social exclusion in the coming years.