**The Role of Women in City: The Importance of Psychology and Educational Administration Psychology and Educational Administration**

**The Role of Women in City: The Importance of** 

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.71091

Müzeyyen Alasya, Nicel Masaroğulları and Sibel Dinçyürek Sibel Dinçyürek Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Müzeyyen Alasya, Nicel Masaroğulları and

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71091

#### **Abstract**

This study aimed to determine the importance of women, who are living in the city, in terms of her role and their place in educational administration. For this purpose, 21 women participated in the study voluntarily. Through semi-structured interviews, data were collected and content analysis is used to analyze the results. In this context, needs of women living in the city and their existing situation, advantages, disadvantages, and expectations are determined and evaluated from psychological, sociological, and educational administration perspectives. As a result of the study, knowing and exploring the existing situations of women in urban life who raise the society and ensuring that individuals benefit more from opportunities and rights of life through education as well as giving support for this effect are seen more important. In addition, satisfying the psychological needs of women in the context of urban life makes the individual more happy, autonomous, and motivated. Also educator role is perceived by participants of the study. As a proposal presented at the end of the study, formal and informal education system within Ministry of Education has to be reorganized starting from preschool to all educational institutions teaching them gender equality.

**Keywords:** town, women, role of women, advantages of town, disadvantages of town

#### **1. Introduction**

In historical development, the process from their emergence to the present societies went through structural changes at micro or macro level in different times.

With these changes, societies changed characteristically while social institutions faced with change, too. The institution of family, which is the most important unit among social institutions,

> © 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2018 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

also faced with change but it continued its existence to today. It can be said that family institution is accepted as an important institution in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as well as in other societies as it determines and transfers from one generation to the other traditions, customs, language, religion, and clothing; it also allows for the growth of peaceful, happy, and healthy generations. In order to emphasize the importance of family institution, 35th article of the constitution of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus reads "family is the foundation of society" (TRNC Constitution). One of the basic reasons for which family institution has been given a special place and is protected by the constitution in all societies in general and in Cypriot Turkish community in particular is that it bears considerable importance in terms of growing cultivated generations, proper management of the society and the government, and establishing sustainable systems.

the creation of developed and productive societies. On the other hand, in countries where democracy is a form of governance, if individuals are not educated to be able to adapt to democracy, and if formal and informal education cannot be brought to the masses, it causes

The Role of Women in City: The Importance of Psychology and Educational Administration

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71091

217

City is the most important source of a country, because it enables them to reach the targeted social, technological and economic level. However, the fact that this source can provide the desired benefits depends on the education of the human being. There are new changes in education as it is in other areas of education which is one of the most important means of development. Many factors require constant inquiry and renewal of the education system: the development of science and technology; the development of new approaches such as increasing communication, reorganizing educational environments, raising the qualifications of teachers, "learning life," "effective learning," "learning to learn." In this context, the ability of the education system to work in accordance with these aims depends on the preparation and implementation of the educational administrators' strategic plans [5]. In this context, school administrators should be educated in accordance with twenty-first century schools [6].

The concept "local" is an administrative unit within the borders of any nation state and in relation to the expectations from all elements inside this unit to assume responsibility within set targets, and as concrete and experienced contrary to the abstract concept of "global." Accepted as the foundations of democracy, local governments are the service units closest to local people, families, therefore women and their problems. Thus, we can claim that they play

It is believed that as women have an important place in local government, they have to be in cooperation with local government. Therefore, it is believed that local people have a role to play in creating a more wealthy and functional society and growth of future generations.

Almost half of the world's population consists of women. Therefore, one side of the social and economic life in historical process consists of men and the other side is created by women. However, participation of women in social life, especially in terms of economy, has not been at the same level as men. Although at different levels in each society, it is a reality that women occupy an inferior place. Women, whose status went through radical changes in terms of social and political rights, continued to occupy an inferior place despite comprehensive changes, and their responsibilities were confined to the house and familial works. In the patriarchal family structure, woman has always been under the supervision of men; first, they were between father and brothers, and then they are between husband and sons [8]. An overview of the historical development of women rights in Turkey shows that discussions on political and social rights of women continue today. In recent years, intense struggle has been fought on women rights and academic works are conducted on political and social rights of Turkish women. After the Turkish civil code went into effect, equality between women and

An overview of the history of human rights of Cypriot Turkish women, it can be seen that education of women has not been given much importance as it was seen unnecessary and costly. In 1950s, Cypriot Turkish women began to receive education mostly in Turkey. Cypriot

an essential role in terms of the peace of the local people and meeting their needs [7].

men came to the fore and several reforms were made [9].

the form of government to return to autocracy [4].

As mentioned above, family has basic roles and responsibilities; however, family institution shows difference according to the locality.

With family types which represent different occupational groups which emerged with urban life which is a yield of social life which changed with industrial revolution, fundamental changes in living conditions reveal themselves manifestly. In other words, "studies on the change caused by urbanization on the structure and values of family show that in societies where individualism is prominent a new family type based on the wills and needs of the individual in the family has been emerging" [1]. The city, environment, and conditions under which individuals live affect their life styles. For this reason, cities are trying to meet their different needs of urban people and provide service to them. Sense of belonging, socialization, continuing of life, and happiness are among the needs which human beings have to meet during their entire lives. Cities emerge as places where all these needs can be met.

The concept of "city" has been defined in different forms according to the development of societies. Urban Science Terms Glossary defines "city" as "the settlement which is in constant social development and where settlement, shelter, commuting, working, resting, entertainment needs of the society are met, very few people deal with agriculture, which has more density in terms of population compared to villages, which consists of small neighbourhood units" [2].

Local governments/city governments assume important tasks in the meeting of needs of town dwellers. In other words, local governments are defined as democratic and autonomous institutions outside central management where decision bodies are directly elected by people with the purpose of meeting common needs of a local community [2]. Democratic local governments bear considerable importance in terms of representation without any discrimination based on social gender. However, "from the past to the present, women and men are related to different responsibilities and tasks in urban area and usually women use the town in a more limited way compared to men" [3]. The basic reason for the foregoing is that each society attaches different meanings and responsibilities to social genders in cultural context. In other words, expectations of societies form women and men can be closely correlated to the social, economic, cultural, and political lives. Especially with industrial revolution, women gained huge importance in every step of societies, and they still have critical positions in academic works, as well as the place of women in the society, management, and economy. The fact that women take part in production processes in the society makes contribution to the growth of more healthy and functional individuals and paves the way for the creation of developed and productive societies. On the other hand, in countries where democracy is a form of governance, if individuals are not educated to be able to adapt to democracy, and if formal and informal education cannot be brought to the masses, it causes the form of government to return to autocracy [4].

also faced with change but it continued its existence to today. It can be said that family institution is accepted as an important institution in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as well as in other societies as it determines and transfers from one generation to the other traditions, customs, language, religion, and clothing; it also allows for the growth of peaceful, happy, and healthy generations. In order to emphasize the importance of family institution, 35th article of the constitution of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus reads "family is the foundation of society" (TRNC Constitution). One of the basic reasons for which family institution has been given a special place and is protected by the constitution in all societies in general and in Cypriot Turkish community in particular is that it bears considerable importance in terms of growing cultivated generations, proper management of the society and the government, and establishing sustainable systems.

As mentioned above, family has basic roles and responsibilities; however, family institution

With family types which represent different occupational groups which emerged with urban life which is a yield of social life which changed with industrial revolution, fundamental changes in living conditions reveal themselves manifestly. In other words, "studies on the change caused by urbanization on the structure and values of family show that in societies where individualism is prominent a new family type based on the wills and needs of the individual in the family has been emerging" [1]. The city, environment, and conditions under which individuals live affect their life styles. For this reason, cities are trying to meet their different needs of urban people and provide service to them. Sense of belonging, socialization, continuing of life, and happiness are among the needs which human beings have to meet dur-

The concept of "city" has been defined in different forms according to the development of societies. Urban Science Terms Glossary defines "city" as "the settlement which is in constant social development and where settlement, shelter, commuting, working, resting, entertainment needs of the society are met, very few people deal with agriculture, which has more density in terms of population compared to villages, which consists of small neighbourhood units" [2].

Local governments/city governments assume important tasks in the meeting of needs of town dwellers. In other words, local governments are defined as democratic and autonomous institutions outside central management where decision bodies are directly elected by people with the purpose of meeting common needs of a local community [2]. Democratic local governments bear considerable importance in terms of representation without any discrimination based on social gender. However, "from the past to the present, women and men are related to different responsibilities and tasks in urban area and usually women use the town in a more limited way compared to men" [3]. The basic reason for the foregoing is that each society attaches different meanings and responsibilities to social genders in cultural context. In other words, expectations of societies form women and men can be closely correlated to the social, economic, cultural, and political lives. Especially with industrial revolution, women gained huge importance in every step of societies, and they still have critical positions in academic works, as well as the place of women in the society, management, and economy. The fact that women take part in production processes in the society makes contribution to the growth of more healthy and functional individuals and paves the way for

ing their entire lives. Cities emerge as places where all these needs can be met.

shows difference according to the locality.

216 Open and Equal Access for Learning in School Management

City is the most important source of a country, because it enables them to reach the targeted social, technological and economic level. However, the fact that this source can provide the desired benefits depends on the education of the human being. There are new changes in education as it is in other areas of education which is one of the most important means of development. Many factors require constant inquiry and renewal of the education system: the development of science and technology; the development of new approaches such as increasing communication, reorganizing educational environments, raising the qualifications of teachers, "learning life," "effective learning," "learning to learn." In this context, the ability of the education system to work in accordance with these aims depends on the preparation and implementation of the educational administrators' strategic plans [5]. In this context, school administrators should be educated in accordance with twenty-first century schools [6].

The concept "local" is an administrative unit within the borders of any nation state and in relation to the expectations from all elements inside this unit to assume responsibility within set targets, and as concrete and experienced contrary to the abstract concept of "global." Accepted as the foundations of democracy, local governments are the service units closest to local people, families, therefore women and their problems. Thus, we can claim that they play an essential role in terms of the peace of the local people and meeting their needs [7].

It is believed that as women have an important place in local government, they have to be in cooperation with local government. Therefore, it is believed that local people have a role to play in creating a more wealthy and functional society and growth of future generations.

Almost half of the world's population consists of women. Therefore, one side of the social and economic life in historical process consists of men and the other side is created by women. However, participation of women in social life, especially in terms of economy, has not been at the same level as men. Although at different levels in each society, it is a reality that women occupy an inferior place. Women, whose status went through radical changes in terms of social and political rights, continued to occupy an inferior place despite comprehensive changes, and their responsibilities were confined to the house and familial works. In the patriarchal family structure, woman has always been under the supervision of men; first, they were between father and brothers, and then they are between husband and sons [8]. An overview of the historical development of women rights in Turkey shows that discussions on political and social rights of women continue today. In recent years, intense struggle has been fought on women rights and academic works are conducted on political and social rights of Turkish women. After the Turkish civil code went into effect, equality between women and men came to the fore and several reforms were made [9].

An overview of the history of human rights of Cypriot Turkish women, it can be seen that education of women has not been given much importance as it was seen unnecessary and costly. In 1950s, Cypriot Turkish women began to receive education mostly in Turkey. Cypriot Turkish women gained voting rights in 1960 after the Republic of Cyprus was established. After the clashes in the island, the island began to be divided in 1974 and women were needed in employment in order to meet the increased workforce need [10]. In 1990 elections, women were elected as members of parliament for the first time.

to which psychological needs are met determines the well-being of the individual [15]. For this reason, psychological needs of women in urban life can be met only if they are integrated in the city; in other words, they establish relations with the social life in which they are living and feel a sense of belonging. Thus, the happiness and living quality of individuals will increase and their well-being will also tend to improve. Some researches show that there is a psychological element which attracts individuals to a certain place and make them develop a sense of belonging. Environments or habitats where people enjoy and want to be present allow for the development of sense of belonging [16]. For this reason, in order to make sure that women living in town integrate with the town, it is believed that meeting the needs of women living in town is essential.

The Role of Women in City: The Importance of Psychology and Educational Administration

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71091

219

One of the most fundamental needs of individuals today is the need for being healthy individuals in the system and to continue our lives in a healthy city. The individual wants to integrate self to the city where he/she is living and lead a happy life there. In this context, this research is important for revealing the needs of women and offering suggestions so that the needs of women living in town can be met in the best manner and they can integrate them-

In the light of the opinions discussed above, it is believed that the results that this study will display will make considerable contribution to the women living in the city, institutions in the

As a result of the literature search, some studies were detected on women in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), but no studies on the women living in city were identified. The fact that such a study had not been conducted before was one of the most important factors

The purpose of the research is to determine the importance of women living in the city in terms of her role in city life and their place in educational administration. In this context, needs of women living in the city and their existing situation will be determined and evaluated from psychological, sociological, and educational perspectives, and the importance of

The subproblems listed below will be used in order to reach the purpose stated above:

**2. Importance of the study**

selves with the town.

city, and researchers alike.

for choosing this research topic.

**3. Purpose of the research**

**3.1. Subproblems**

women in terms of her role in life will be revealed.

**1.** What are the advantages of being a woman in city?

**2.** What are the disadvantages of being a woman in city?

A general evaluation will reveal that in our century, the problems of women are almost globally shared. Likewise, solution ways to these problems of women are also universal. Although women have different characters and cultures, they are able to understand their needs better compared to men, as the ways of thinking and acting between men and women are different. For this reason, the areas of interest and skill of men and women are also divergent. Men usually focus on the monetary and security issues whereas house-keeping, child care and even contribution to household economy are the responsibility of women. In this line, although we have to see the image of women more in local government, it is evident that exact opposite prevails today.

Researches show that, in terms of the roles of women and men in the family from social gender and stereotype aspects, the most important role of men is to support their family, and the most important role of women is to raise their children and ensure continuity of the family [11]. Although the number of gender-based occupational categories is on decline, it is known that they are still highly evident [12]. In this context, the reason for low participation in local governments for women is that the country has a patriarchal structure as a result of which the roles and responsibilities allocated for women are mostly related to motherhood and housekeeping. In other words, the reason for low level of female participation at local government and employment market is the existence of inequality and discrimination in employment and inadequate measures [12].

Women living in town are more disadvantaged compared to men in decision-making and power-sharing in urban life. Global changes led to development in such fields as education, health, transportation, and technology changed the roles, relations, and participation in decision-making in the society. With these changes, when democratic countries are considered, social gender equality has been accepted as a fundamental principle. The United Nations also accepted social gender equality as a fundamental human right and emphasized the importance of universal participation of women and men in social life on an equal basis. However, inequality between men and women is still a fundamental hindrance in non-democratic countries [12], and it is evident that women can utilize less political, social, economic, and urban rights compared to men. In order to realize urban participation, the relation of individuals between each other and their urban environment must be increased and individuals must be integrated with the town where they are living [13]. In order to ensure that people continue their development in social life and integrate with the wider society, the psychological needs of members of society have to be revealed and met [14].

According to self-determination rule, competence, autonomy, and relatedness are the three fundamental needs of human beings. The environment of the individual determined the extent to which these needs are met. The individual must be able to take his/her decision accurately with his/her own will in the society in which he/she is living, must consider his/her behaviors sufficient, and in the meantime be in relation with the social environment he/she is in. The degree to which psychological needs are met determines the well-being of the individual [15]. For this reason, psychological needs of women in urban life can be met only if they are integrated in the city; in other words, they establish relations with the social life in which they are living and feel a sense of belonging. Thus, the happiness and living quality of individuals will increase and their well-being will also tend to improve. Some researches show that there is a psychological element which attracts individuals to a certain place and make them develop a sense of belonging. Environments or habitats where people enjoy and want to be present allow for the development of sense of belonging [16]. For this reason, in order to make sure that women living in town integrate with the town, it is believed that meeting the needs of women living in town is essential.
