Globalisation in-Between Homogenisation and Heterogenisation: An Institutionalist Analysis on Türkiye

ABSTRACT

While neoliberal globalisation exerts both homogenising and heterogenising forces on a global scale, an excessive emphasis on its homogenising effects can lead to overly optimistic and unrealistic future projections. This study, instead, directs its focus towards the heterogenising impact of neoliberal principles and norms on Türkiye through an institutionalist lens. Beginning with a historical analysis and subsequently conducting an empirical examination using World Values Survey (WVS) data, the research reveals that the divergent evolution of Türkiye and the West created structural differentiation preventing Türkiye’s homogeneous integration into the West. A process tracing analysis spanning from 1990 to 2017 further demonstrates that Türkiye's historically evolved social institutions exhibit resilience against the pressures of neoliberal change, despite its widespread diffusion throughout the country since 1980. As a result, this paper posits that heterogenisation and its inherent unpredictability are destined to shape the future global landscape, challenging the optimistic assumptions of pro-globalisation advocates.

KEYWORDS:

• Globalisation
• homogenisation
• heterogenisation
• institutional change
• Türkiye

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Funding

This research paper is supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Ataturk University under project ID number [10997].