“CAN FATMA COME OUT AND PLAY?” GENDER AND PLAY IN ISTANBUL

Abstract

This study explores gender’s role in play activity in Turkey. We examine the kinds, locations, contexts, strategies for conflict resolution and the perceptions of justice in child’s play.  Gender and age differences in play activity are well documented worldwide. This study explores in Istanbul the findings in an American context of Carol Gilligan (1982; rev. 1993) and others regarding gender differences in children’s differential sense of justice.  Survey questionnaires were administered to 421 people over the age of 18 Istanbul, asking respondents to reflect on their childhood play experiences at two ages (6 and 16). Gender and other variables were found to be associated with differences in play locale, size and composition of play groups, levels of supervision, organized vs. non-organized play, strategies for conflict resolution, and standards of justice applied to conflict situations.

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