Covering feminist approaches in methodology, therapy, politics, and education, the volume “Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey” explores how they challenge patriarchal structures. We have conducted an interview with Ayçe Feride Yılmaz, editor of “Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey”.
Interview with Ayçe Feride Yılmaz on “Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey”
Dear Ayçe Feride Yılmaz, what contributions does the volume “Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey” bring together?
Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey brings together contributions that critically engage with mainstream psychology, psychoanalysis, and psychiatry from a feminist
perspective. Topics include feminist therapy for addressing gender-based trauma, the intersection of feminism and psychoanalysis, intersectional research on gender-based violence, life story research on the identities of feminist psy- chologists and activists, feminist psychiatry’s call for reform in mental health institutions, and non-patriarchal approaches to reproductive care. Feminist research on collective action in authoritarian contexts is presented, alongside a critique of positivism in academic psychology, advocating for alternative, reflexive feminist epistemologies and research practices.
How did the idea to publish this volume come about?
The book draws inspiration from the symposium titled “Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey: Complicating Mainstream Knowledge and Practice” which took place at the Kilian Köhler Center at Ruhr University Bochum from 11–12 January 2024. I was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship in Social and Cultural Psychology and Psychoanalysis from the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin and the Kilian Köhler Center. As part of the fellowship requirements, I organized this symposium. My aim was to build on both the symposium and the accompanying book to bring together and amplify the voices of feminist psychologists in Turkey.
Could you explain in more detail how feminist psychology is understood and how it engages with the system to bring about change?
Feminist psychology is a subdiscipline of psychology that critically examines traditional psychological theories, focusing on gender inequality and intersectional power dynamics, while challenging gender biases in research and practice. Feminist psychologists advocate for activist research that amplifies marginalized voices. In clinical practice, they promote empowerment through egalitarian therapy that addresses oppression and violence and engages with the social context. They support gender equality movements and advocate for policy reforms to confront oppression, gender-based violence, and discrimination. Thus, feminist psychologists integrate activism into both research and practice to drive social justice.
What are the greatest challenges that feminist psychology faces in Turkey? How do these differ from those in other countries or regions?
Feminist psychology in Turkey faces challenges due to cultural resistance to feminist ideas, limited institutional support, and a lack of resources for feminist training and research. Unlike in Western countries where feminist psychology has gained institutional acceptance, Turkey’s conservative political and social climate, absence of strong feminist networks, and lack of progressive mental health policies create additional barriers. Despite this, Turkey has a strong and deep-rooted feminist movement. Although restricted by mainstream educational and professional settings, feminist psychologists propelled by this movement strive to initiate critiques and transformations, either through individual efforts or attempts at organizing.
To whom would you recommend this publication?
This publication is recommended for mental health professionals, particularly psychologists and therapists interested in feminist perspectives and gender-based violence. It is also valuable for academics and researchers in psychology, gender studies, and social justice, offering theoretical and empirical insights. Feminist activists, as well as students studying gender, mental health, or social justice, will find it useful. Additionally, human rights advocates and NGO workers focused on women’s rights and gender equality will benefit from the book’s exploration of integrating feminist theory with practice to drive social change.
About Ayçe Feride Yılmaz
Ayçe Feride Yılmaz is a social psychologist interested in feminist theory, memory studies and collective action. She completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at Dokuz Eylül University in Izmir in 2022. She conducted postdoctoral research at Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin on feminist psychological work in Turkey.
Order “Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey” in our shop or download as e-book
Psychology’s Feminist Voices from Turkey
Knowledge, Activism, and Transformative Practices
edited by Ayçe Feride Yılmaz
About the book
This book introduces feminist psychologists, activists, and therapists in Turkey who blur the boundaries between scholarship, practice, and advocacy. Covering feminist approaches in methodology, therapy, politics, and education, it explores how they challenge patriarchal structures. Through lived experiences and research, the book highlights feminist psychology as a force for justice, healing, and solidarity.
You’d like to read more interviews about interesting research? Have a look at our blog.
