Intrafamily Aggression in Turkey: Frequency, Instigation, and Acceptance

Abstract

The present study was designed (a) to determine the frequency of aggression within different pairs of family members, (b) to define actions that may be construed as instigations of intrafamily aggression when committed by different members of the family, and (c) to investigate acceptance rates for different types of aggression from and toward different family members as reactions to different instigations. Questionnaires were administered verbally to 185 Turkish men and women between the ages of 14 and 75. The reported frequency of aggression was highest in mother-child relationships. Reported frequencies were higher for milder acts of aggression than for harsher acts. Content analyses of definitions of different actions that could be construed as instigations for aggression varied, depending on the person performing the act. Variations were consistent with power differences within the family and with gender stereotypes. The acceptance rate for intrafamily aggression was higher for verbal than for physical aggression and showed variations, depending on the nature of the instigation. Discussion focused on the relationship between intrafamily aggression and control.

The Relationships between Knowledge Structures and Appraisals of Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents

“…Hence, respect for authoritarian power hierarchy and social solidarity may coexist among disadvantaged adolescents. In other words, authoritarianism and social conformity may carry positive connotations such as interdependence for the socialization of both genders (Fişek, 1982; Hortaçsu et al., 2003; İmamoğlu, 1995; İmamoğlu & Yasak‐Gültekin, 1993; Kağıtçıbaşı, 1998).…”

“…In traditional cultures, it would be expected that beliefs regarding knowledge structures such as higher external locus of control and authoritarianism would be positively correlated with avoidant coping, timid communication, and lower self‐esteem on the one hand, and with empathy and helping people on the other (Hortaçsu, Kalaycıoğlu, & Rittersberger‐Tiliç, 2003; Sayıl, Yılmaz, & Uçanok, 2002). Therefore, besides the relationships between the relatively enduring knowledge systems and dynamic appraisals regarding adolescents' well‐being, the socio‐cultural (traditional vs. modern) setting which presents restrictions or opportunities for developing self‐efficacy skills constitutes a third factor.…”

“…In terms of gender differences in personal orientation, there is ample evidence that both Western and Turkish males have significantly higher levels of stress compared to females (Bettencourt & Miller, 1996; Eagly & Steffen, 1986; Hortaçsu et al., 2003; Knight, Fabes, & Higgins, 1996; Sayıl et al., 2002). On the other hand, even though girls experience relatively lower levels of self‐esteem, they adopt more open communication styles when coping with stress (Bettencourt & Miller, 1996; Eagly & Steffen, 1986; Güvenç & Aktaş, 2006; Knight et al., 1996; Plancherel, Bolognini, & Halfon, 1998; Sayıl et al., 2002).…”

“…Conversely, authoritarianism can be conceived as an enduring personality structure, especially dominant in Turkey's poor urban communities where social solidarity is achieved via conservative beliefs and relationship strategies (Acar‐Savran, 2004; Güvenç & Aktaş, 2006; Kağıtçıbaşı, 1998; Kandiyoti, 1995; White, 1994). Research in Turkey, for instance, supports the fact that although the laws and policies of the Turkish government are based on democracy and egalitarianism, the majority of poor families who live in rural areas or who migrate to urban areas for socioeconomic reasons still hold authoritarian attitudes (Fişek, 1982; Hortaçsu et al., 2003; İmamoğlu, 1995; İmamoğlu & Yasak‐Gültekin, 1993; Kağıtçıbaşı, 1998). The authoritarian power hierarchy reflects the influence of macro‐level traditional (patriarchal) ideology particularly on micro‐social‐level generation relationships (Kağıtçıbaşı, 1998; White, 1994; Yılmaz, 2006).…”

Impact of Self Monitoring and Gender on Coping Strategies in Intimate Relationships Among Turkish University Students

“…It is important that the present paper expands the existing research on coping strategies and self monitoring in other nations to collectivistic cultures such as Turkey a modernizing country where patriarchal values and gender differences are strongly endorsed (Sakallı 2001). In Turkish society, men are the head of the family and are expected to have control over the members of the household, whereas women are expected to be dependent on their husband and are expected to take care of their family members (Hortaçsu et al 2003;Sakallı 2001). Turkish people are also very concerned with the impressions of their intimate relationships impact on their family (Hortaçsu 1997).…”