A perspective on women principals in Turkey

Abstract

This article explores the reasons why there are a relatively small number of women principals in Turkish state elementary schools. Current literature on women principals reveals that while many professional fields are showing increasing numbers of women in managerial and executive positions, the same cannot be said for educational administration. Three women principals were interviewed about barriers women face as principals. Some of the teachers who work for the participating principals were also asked how they felt working for a woman. Based on related literature and information gathered from both principals and teachers, it could be stated that Turkish society privileges only males as good leaders and it is not easy for women to access the principalship because they do not fit the norms. Though Turkish women are gaining greater access to other male‐dominated professional positions, as one principal stated, ‘women are losing ground in school administration.’

Keywords:

• Women
• school principal
• Turkey

Notes

Mustafa Celikten received his Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Wisconsin‐Madison. He is currently Assistant Professor at the School of Education, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey (e‐mail: [email protected]). His researches focus on instructional leadership, school culture and organizational change.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mustafa Celikten

Mustafa Celikten received his Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Wisconsin‐Madison. He is currently Assistant Professor at the School of Education, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey (e‐mail: [email protected]). His researches focus on instructional leadership, school culture and organizational change.