The Upbringing of Girls in Turkey

Abstract

Although the topic "the upbringing of girls" is one that crosses cultural boundaries, socialization into specific sex roles, nonetheless, varies quite widely from culture to culture. The decision to deal with the topic of girls' upbringing in the context of the Turkish folksong results from the fact that there is almost no literature on girls' upbringing in Turkey, while on the other hand there are folksongs which are sung and played frequently. The contents of these songs show a definite concern with sex roles, as well as the types of relations desired between the sexes. It is a generally known fact that, in the tradition-bound society of Turkey, girls are prepared not merely for their later roles as women, but also specifically for their roles in marriage and the family. The question is to what extent the topic of girls' and women's roles are touched upon in folksongs, and with what potential for any development. The notions, feelings, and wishes communicated in the texts of folksongs portray women and girls as as they are seen by the broad population throughout the country and reveal how this picture is conveyed from adults to children.