A critical feminist analysis of women's football in Türkiye: Challenges, opportunities, and societal implications

Abstract

This study employs a critical feminist perspective to examine the development and institutionalization of women's football in Türkiye, focusing on socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors, as well as regional disparities. The theoretical framework draws on key feminist theories, including Butler's gender performativity, De Beauvoir's social construction of gender, and Crenshaw's intersectionality. Utilizing a phenomenological research design, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 female players and 4 male coaches and managers from two teams in different regions of Türkiye, complemented by two focus group discussions. The analysis revealed five primary themes: perceptions of gender differences, visibility challenges, financial conditions, regional disparities, and institutional capacity. Results highlight significant East/West regional disparities reflecting broader socio-economic divides, with players from the Eastern region facing greater challenges in terms of resources and societal acceptance. The study contributes to understanding women's football development as a potential catalyst for social change, particularly in addressing issues such as child marriage in eastern regions. Furthermore, this research underscores the need for intersectional policy approaches that address the complex interplay of gender, geography, and socio-economic factors in shaping women's football participation and development in Türkiye. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.