The Importance of the Village Phenomenon and Village Studies in the Analysis of Türkiye’s Social Structure in the Context of Globalization

Abstract

The world first entered the process of modernization and then globalization. Many changes occurred during these processes. The industrial revolution took place during the modernization process. The Industrial Revolution transformed the social structure of Europe. Feudalism collapsed and capitalism emerged in its place. For capitalism, it was essential to produce and sell goods in factories. Therefore, people were needed to work in factories, not in the fields. Villages became empty. Peasants went to cities to work as workers. The old village order did not remain. Urbanization accelerated. Modern society was established in cities. Countries outside Europe were affected by this change but did not experience the same process. The Ottoman Empire tried to keep up with new developments as much as possible and modernize its country. This desire was not fully realized. The Republic transformed this desire into a will and tried to modernize the country with radical revolutions. In the years when the Republic was founded, Turkish society was predominantly living in villages. Social problems began to be solved starting from here. Village development programs were prepared. It was desired to benefit from village research. Concepts such as peasantry and peasantry came to the fore. Migration from villages to cities accelerated with industrialization moves. Social development and economic development increased. Those migrating to cities began to live a more comfortable life. During this period, a process called globalization had also begun in the world. The world was now considered to be like a “global village”. However, Türkiye’s villages were increasingly empty, and peasantry had begun to transform. Nowadays, villages are struggling between wealth and poverty. We cannot decide whether this situation is good or bad. Our duty is to determine what is happening as it is. Only political and bureaucratic cadres who are in a position to find solutions will find how to compensate for the lost functions of the village. For this, it is essential to determine the situation and develop suggestions.