The economic effects of terror attacks have been extensively examined in the literature. Yet ther... more The economic effects of terror attacks have been extensively examined in the literature. Yet there is a paucity of empirical research investigating their effect on welfare. Existing studies suggest that, in addition to economic costs, terror also imposes social costs. Using both micro-level data at the individual level and macro-level data at the provincial level, this article examines the association of terror and happiness in Turkey. To address income endogeneity, the conditional mixed process estimation method is employed. The results indicate that while a bidirectional relationship between happiness and income level exists, terror negatively affects happiness. Additional factors such as perceived relative income, gender, employment status, and household size have significant effects on individual wellbeing as well. The findings suggest that measuring only the economic costs of terror fails to capture the full extent of the costs imposed on society.
This article investigates the relationship between health status and time allocation decisions of... more This article investigates the relationship between health status and time allocation decisions of individuals. Although many studies address impacts of health on labour supply, few studies explore associations of health status with non-market work activities. Using a nationally representative sample from a recent Turkish Time Use Survey, this article employs Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) framework to estimate multiple equations of various time use categories. Consistent with literature, empirical results indicate that higher levels of self-reported health status (SRHS) are associated with more time spent in market work. However, better health level is negatively correlated with time spent in leisure and sleep. There is mixed evidence between self-reported health status (SRHS) and time spent on non-market work. There is a negative weak association between health and time devoted to personal care. Finally, demographics such as gender, age, education and marital status display correlations with time allocation of Turkish individuals.
International Journal of Conflict and Violence, 2019
Terrorism has the potential to affeect population health through various pathways. Since the lite... more Terrorism has the potential to affeect population health through various pathways. Since the literature mostlyanalyzes tangible economic costs, there is dearth of evidence on health effeects of terrorism. In an effeort to ad-dress that gap, this article explores the relationship between terrorism and health satisfaction of Turkish citizensby combining province-level and individual-level data sets. In order to quantify determinants of health satisfac-tion, a multi-level modeling framework is employed. Empirical analysis suggests that individuals with higher ex-posure to terrorism are more likely to report lower health satisfaction in Turkey. Health satisfaction of individu-als is significantly and positively correlated with individual-level covariates such as education level, maritalstatus, employment status, household income, housing floor area per person, interest in health issues and be-coming a parent within the past year. Age, being female and utilization of health services display negative asso-ciations with health satisfaction of individuals. Finally, province-level GDP per capita and schooling ratio exhibitsignificantly positive associations with individual health satisfaction in Turkey.
This study examines gender differences in heart disease experiences of individuals in Turkey by e... more This study examines gender differences in heart disease experiences of individuals in Turkey by employing individual level data from a nationally representative survey.By using Turkish Health Survey, this study constructs a binary indicator for heart disease experiences of individuals, which accounts for heart problems such as myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. Binary logistic regression models are estimated for quantification of associations between prevalence of heart diseases, gender and other risk factors. Empirical results imply that females are significantly less likely to experience heart diseases in Turkey. Age and hypertension issues are directly correlated with heart problems for both males and females. Perceived health status is negatively associated with probability of experiencing heart diseases for both males and females in Turkey. Having diabetes is a positive significant predictor of heart disease experiences for Turkish females. Females with higher household income level are less likely to have heart diseases. Finally, education level and lifestyle indicators such as smoking, physical activity, fruit, vegetable and alcohol consumption display mixed results. This study suggests that there are gender differences in prevalence and risk factors of heart diseases in Turkey. Complementing the earlier literature, findings of this study imply that gender specific health interventions would be effective in coping with heart related diseases.
Effective use of time is essential for productivity of individuals in labor force of a country. T... more Effective use of time is essential for productivity of individuals in labor force of a country. This study examines determinants of individuals’ time spent on leisure activities such as cultural activities, sports activities and socializing in Turkey. Associations between amount of time devoted to leisure time activities and socio-demographic variables such as gender, age, education level, household income level, marital status, employment status, health status and child care time are explored. For this purpose, this study employs TurkStat Time Use Survey of 2014-2015 and estimates seemingly unrelated regression model for empirical analysis. Findings indicate that individuals spend more time in socializing in Turkey. Age, education level, marital status, health status, employment status, child care time and household income level display significant associations with time spent on different leisure activities in Turkey.
Gender Gaps and the Social Inclusion Movement in ICT , 2019
This chapter investigates the relationship between gender and use of e-government services in Tur... more This chapter investigates the relationship between gender and use of e-government services in Turkey. Based on household surveys, probit regression models are estimated to quantify determinants of e-government use for Turkish citizens. Empirical findings imply that there is a gender gap in use of e-government services. Turkish females are less likely to employ e-government tools compared to Turkish males. Household income, education level, being employed, and frequency of internet use are positively correlated with probability of e-government use for Turkish individuals. Finally, age demonstrates negative association with use of online government services. As the individual gets older, probability of using e-government platforms decreases. Thus, the digital divide prevails among Turkish citizens and should be addressed by policymakers.
This study uses cross country survey data from Turkey and the United States to analyze the determ... more This study uses cross country survey data from Turkey and the United States to analyze the determinants of gender differences in self-reported health status. We estimate ordered logit models to quantify the effects of factors that prove important in self-assessed health outcomes. The results indicate significant gender differences in the self-rated health outcomes even controlled for socio-economic variables and chronic illnesses. While some of our findings on the relationship between socioeconomic status indicators and self-assessed health level match earlier results, we observe a significant gender gap even with controls for chronic illnesses. We also show that "differential vulnerability" and "differential exposure" hypotheses are not sufficient to explain the gender differences in self-reported health outcomes. Finally, hierarchical ordered probit estimation reveals that reporting thresholds are significantly affected by gender of the respondents in both coun...
Since the early 2010's, Turkey is said to be caught in " middle-income trap " characterized by ec... more Since the early 2010's, Turkey is said to be caught in " middle-income trap " characterized by economic stagnation. In this article, we offer an institutional analysis for Turkey, and many other developing nations alike, which aspire to attain higher levels of economic affluence. Using a multi-method approach which combines econometric and historical analyses, we conclude that it would be very hard to progress economically for middle-income countries such as Turkey without addressing their deficiencies in political and economic institutions. Nature of this research enables replicability not only for the case study under analysis, but also for many comparable cases throughout the world.
This article analyses the state and determinants of women’s empowerment in Turkey, based on an ex... more This article analyses the state and determinants of women’s empowerment in Turkey, based on an extensive and representative survey with more than 100,000 participants. It creates an original index of women’s self-perceived empowerment, which incorporates empowerment measures on health, education, income, social life, and personal care and conducts multilevel analysis that integrates effects of individual-level factors with contextual, locality-specific forces. Multilevel analysis confirms the nested nature of women’s empowerment in Turkey, which depends on both individual attributes and on the locality in which a woman resides. The Turkish case analysed in this article offers insights for the state of women’s empowerment in societies replete with patriarchal norms and neoliberal policies.
This study investigates determinants of online health-related activities of Turkish individuals. ... more This study investigates determinants of online health-related activities of Turkish individuals. By exploiting a data set from a household survey of Turkey, probit models are estimated for quantification of factors influencing participation of individuals in electronic health (e-health). Findings reveal that Turkish females are more likely to employ online tools for health-related purposes. Education level, household income and internet usage frequency have positive relationships with online information search and use of online scheduling for doctor appointments. Age has a non-linear relationship with e-health activities. While relatively younger and older individuals are less likely to engage in online health activities, middle-aged individuals are more likely to participate. While use of information technologies in health-related issues have potential to increase health literacy of the population; this study reveals that there are systematic differences in sub-samples in employment of e-health tools, which should be addressed by policy makers.
International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education , 2016
This article introduces a field assignment, which is internationally implementable in introductor... more This article introduces a field assignment, which is internationally implementable in introductory economics classes. The assignment involves a visit to a local farmer's market and a couple of grocery stores to observe and experience market interactions of economic agents as well as to collect data on prices for a pre-determined basket of goods. The assignment helps student understand that their daily life actions are highly related to economics and visualise theoretical concepts taught in classrooms such as market mechanisms, prices, market structure, gross domestic product and inflation.
This study examines the relationship between unemployment rate and health indicators for Turkey b... more This study examines the relationship between unemployment rate and health indicators for Turkey by using data at national and regional levels. Time series models and fixed effects models are estimated for different health indicators. According to time series analysis results covering 1960-2015, statistically significant correlations are revealed between unemployment rate and different health indicators. We have observed that there was a negative and procyclical relationship between unemployment rate and life expectancy, while there is a positive and countercyclical relationship between unemployment rate and the birth rate, mortality rate and infant mortality rate. The findings in the time series analysis show positive and countercyclical relationships between unemployment rate and infant mortality rate, birth rate and suicide number due to economic reasons and these relationships are statistically significant. A negative and procyclical correlation between unemployment rate and mortality rate is observed, but this correlation is not statistically significant.
Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, May 2015
This paper investigates the Turkish economy within a comparative historical
framework. In light ... more This paper investigates the Turkish economy within a comparative historical
framework. In light of a thorough discussion of Turkish economic crises in the post-
1980 period, the paper explores Turkey’s contemporary strengths and weaknesses in the
global economic arena by comparing it with its peers and developed nations. The paper
also highlights Turkey’s extant economic vulnerabilities, especially its current account
deficit, volatile international capital flows and ongoing banking sector problems. Along
with other policy recommendations regarding these vulnerabilities, the paper proposes
the introduction of capital controls to enhance economic institutions and cope with
future hardships.
International Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance, 2015
I study price convergence in asset markets with indefinite duration induced by existence of bank... more I study price convergence in asset markets with indefinite duration induced by existence of bankruptcy risk. By introducing increasing and decreasing fundamental value paths via experimental methodology, this study extends knowledge about traders' incentives in asset markets with indefinite horizons. In most cases, the data indicate significant undervaluation of assets without a buyback value under bankruptcy risk regardless of fundamental value regime. The transaction prices closely follow the fundamental value trend of the asset supported by a terminal value in both definite and indefinite time horizons with constant fundamentals.
The aim of this thesis is to analyze and evaluate the dominance of the dollar and its sustainabil... more The aim of this thesis is to analyze and evaluate the dominance of the dollar and its sustainability in the international monetary system in the light of recent literature and relevant statistical data. Considering the determinants of an international currency,this thesis focuses on the linkages of the dominance of the dollar with the challenge of the euro as an alternative international currency, the current account deficit of the U.S. and foreign exchange reserve accumulation and reserve diversification decision of foreign central banks. The analysis on these determinants indicates that the U.S.dollar is facing many challenges and may face further challenges in sustaining its dominance as an international currency. Given the significance of the U.S. economy and dominance of the dollar as an international currency, the findings of this study indicate that although the euro has not much potential to surpass the dollar as an international currency in the short-term, it is more likely for the international monetary system to witness the existence of multiple international currencies and decline in the degree of the dominance of the dollar in the 21st century.
This article aims to analytically dissect the interrelated reasons behind the gender gap in wealt... more This article aims to analytically dissect the interrelated reasons behind the gender gap in wealth accumulation. To do so, it examines how the accumulation of different forms of capital by women in the course of their lives affects women's prospects in the economic field, thereby shaping women's potential for wealth accumulation. Focusing on women's cooperatives in Turkey through a Bourdieusian lens, the article shows that the patriarchal roles assigned to women result in asymmetries of not only economic but also social and cultural capital that lead to structural impediments against women's endeavors in the economic field. We show, however, that despite these structural impediments, women are not only passive victims of these conditions byt instead develop strategies to cope with these disadvantages and cooperatives play a crucial role in that regard. Finally, through our case study, we demonstrate that both the constraints faced and strategies developed by women are informed by class and occupational background.
The economic effects of terror attacks have been extensively examined in the literature. Yet ther... more The economic effects of terror attacks have been extensively examined in the literature. Yet there is a paucity of empirical research investigating their effect on welfare. Existing studies suggest that, in addition to economic costs, terror also imposes social costs. Using both micro-level data at the individual level and macro-level data at the provincial level, this article examines the association of terror and happiness in Turkey. To address income endogeneity, the conditional mixed process estimation method is employed. The results indicate that while a bidirectional relationship between happiness and income level exists, terror negatively affects happiness. Additional factors such as perceived relative income, gender, employment status, and household size have significant effects on individual wellbeing as well. The findings suggest that measuring only the economic costs of terror fails to capture the full extent of the costs imposed on society.
This article investigates the relationship between health status and time allocation decisions of... more This article investigates the relationship between health status and time allocation decisions of individuals. Although many studies address impacts of health on labour supply, few studies explore associations of health status with non-market work activities. Using a nationally representative sample from a recent Turkish Time Use Survey, this article employs Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) framework to estimate multiple equations of various time use categories. Consistent with literature, empirical results indicate that higher levels of self-reported health status (SRHS) are associated with more time spent in market work. However, better health level is negatively correlated with time spent in leisure and sleep. There is mixed evidence between self-reported health status (SRHS) and time spent on non-market work. There is a negative weak association between health and time devoted to personal care. Finally, demographics such as gender, age, education and marital status display correlations with time allocation of Turkish individuals.
International Journal of Conflict and Violence, 2019
Terrorism has the potential to affeect population health through various pathways. Since the lite... more Terrorism has the potential to affeect population health through various pathways. Since the literature mostlyanalyzes tangible economic costs, there is dearth of evidence on health effeects of terrorism. In an effeort to ad-dress that gap, this article explores the relationship between terrorism and health satisfaction of Turkish citizensby combining province-level and individual-level data sets. In order to quantify determinants of health satisfac-tion, a multi-level modeling framework is employed. Empirical analysis suggests that individuals with higher ex-posure to terrorism are more likely to report lower health satisfaction in Turkey. Health satisfaction of individu-als is significantly and positively correlated with individual-level covariates such as education level, maritalstatus, employment status, household income, housing floor area per person, interest in health issues and be-coming a parent within the past year. Age, being female and utilization of health services display negative asso-ciations with health satisfaction of individuals. Finally, province-level GDP per capita and schooling ratio exhibitsignificantly positive associations with individual health satisfaction in Turkey.
This study examines gender differences in heart disease experiences of individuals in Turkey by e... more This study examines gender differences in heart disease experiences of individuals in Turkey by employing individual level data from a nationally representative survey.By using Turkish Health Survey, this study constructs a binary indicator for heart disease experiences of individuals, which accounts for heart problems such as myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. Binary logistic regression models are estimated for quantification of associations between prevalence of heart diseases, gender and other risk factors. Empirical results imply that females are significantly less likely to experience heart diseases in Turkey. Age and hypertension issues are directly correlated with heart problems for both males and females. Perceived health status is negatively associated with probability of experiencing heart diseases for both males and females in Turkey. Having diabetes is a positive significant predictor of heart disease experiences for Turkish females. Females with higher household income level are less likely to have heart diseases. Finally, education level and lifestyle indicators such as smoking, physical activity, fruit, vegetable and alcohol consumption display mixed results. This study suggests that there are gender differences in prevalence and risk factors of heart diseases in Turkey. Complementing the earlier literature, findings of this study imply that gender specific health interventions would be effective in coping with heart related diseases.
Effective use of time is essential for productivity of individuals in labor force of a country. T... more Effective use of time is essential for productivity of individuals in labor force of a country. This study examines determinants of individuals’ time spent on leisure activities such as cultural activities, sports activities and socializing in Turkey. Associations between amount of time devoted to leisure time activities and socio-demographic variables such as gender, age, education level, household income level, marital status, employment status, health status and child care time are explored. For this purpose, this study employs TurkStat Time Use Survey of 2014-2015 and estimates seemingly unrelated regression model for empirical analysis. Findings indicate that individuals spend more time in socializing in Turkey. Age, education level, marital status, health status, employment status, child care time and household income level display significant associations with time spent on different leisure activities in Turkey.
Gender Gaps and the Social Inclusion Movement in ICT , 2019
This chapter investigates the relationship between gender and use of e-government services in Tur... more This chapter investigates the relationship between gender and use of e-government services in Turkey. Based on household surveys, probit regression models are estimated to quantify determinants of e-government use for Turkish citizens. Empirical findings imply that there is a gender gap in use of e-government services. Turkish females are less likely to employ e-government tools compared to Turkish males. Household income, education level, being employed, and frequency of internet use are positively correlated with probability of e-government use for Turkish individuals. Finally, age demonstrates negative association with use of online government services. As the individual gets older, probability of using e-government platforms decreases. Thus, the digital divide prevails among Turkish citizens and should be addressed by policymakers.
This study uses cross country survey data from Turkey and the United States to analyze the determ... more This study uses cross country survey data from Turkey and the United States to analyze the determinants of gender differences in self-reported health status. We estimate ordered logit models to quantify the effects of factors that prove important in self-assessed health outcomes. The results indicate significant gender differences in the self-rated health outcomes even controlled for socio-economic variables and chronic illnesses. While some of our findings on the relationship between socioeconomic status indicators and self-assessed health level match earlier results, we observe a significant gender gap even with controls for chronic illnesses. We also show that "differential vulnerability" and "differential exposure" hypotheses are not sufficient to explain the gender differences in self-reported health outcomes. Finally, hierarchical ordered probit estimation reveals that reporting thresholds are significantly affected by gender of the respondents in both coun...
Since the early 2010's, Turkey is said to be caught in " middle-income trap " characterized by ec... more Since the early 2010's, Turkey is said to be caught in " middle-income trap " characterized by economic stagnation. In this article, we offer an institutional analysis for Turkey, and many other developing nations alike, which aspire to attain higher levels of economic affluence. Using a multi-method approach which combines econometric and historical analyses, we conclude that it would be very hard to progress economically for middle-income countries such as Turkey without addressing their deficiencies in political and economic institutions. Nature of this research enables replicability not only for the case study under analysis, but also for many comparable cases throughout the world.
This article analyses the state and determinants of women’s empowerment in Turkey, based on an ex... more This article analyses the state and determinants of women’s empowerment in Turkey, based on an extensive and representative survey with more than 100,000 participants. It creates an original index of women’s self-perceived empowerment, which incorporates empowerment measures on health, education, income, social life, and personal care and conducts multilevel analysis that integrates effects of individual-level factors with contextual, locality-specific forces. Multilevel analysis confirms the nested nature of women’s empowerment in Turkey, which depends on both individual attributes and on the locality in which a woman resides. The Turkish case analysed in this article offers insights for the state of women’s empowerment in societies replete with patriarchal norms and neoliberal policies.
This study investigates determinants of online health-related activities of Turkish individuals. ... more This study investigates determinants of online health-related activities of Turkish individuals. By exploiting a data set from a household survey of Turkey, probit models are estimated for quantification of factors influencing participation of individuals in electronic health (e-health). Findings reveal that Turkish females are more likely to employ online tools for health-related purposes. Education level, household income and internet usage frequency have positive relationships with online information search and use of online scheduling for doctor appointments. Age has a non-linear relationship with e-health activities. While relatively younger and older individuals are less likely to engage in online health activities, middle-aged individuals are more likely to participate. While use of information technologies in health-related issues have potential to increase health literacy of the population; this study reveals that there are systematic differences in sub-samples in employment of e-health tools, which should be addressed by policy makers.
International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education , 2016
This article introduces a field assignment, which is internationally implementable in introductor... more This article introduces a field assignment, which is internationally implementable in introductory economics classes. The assignment involves a visit to a local farmer's market and a couple of grocery stores to observe and experience market interactions of economic agents as well as to collect data on prices for a pre-determined basket of goods. The assignment helps student understand that their daily life actions are highly related to economics and visualise theoretical concepts taught in classrooms such as market mechanisms, prices, market structure, gross domestic product and inflation.
This study examines the relationship between unemployment rate and health indicators for Turkey b... more This study examines the relationship between unemployment rate and health indicators for Turkey by using data at national and regional levels. Time series models and fixed effects models are estimated for different health indicators. According to time series analysis results covering 1960-2015, statistically significant correlations are revealed between unemployment rate and different health indicators. We have observed that there was a negative and procyclical relationship between unemployment rate and life expectancy, while there is a positive and countercyclical relationship between unemployment rate and the birth rate, mortality rate and infant mortality rate. The findings in the time series analysis show positive and countercyclical relationships between unemployment rate and infant mortality rate, birth rate and suicide number due to economic reasons and these relationships are statistically significant. A negative and procyclical correlation between unemployment rate and mortality rate is observed, but this correlation is not statistically significant.
Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, May 2015
This paper investigates the Turkish economy within a comparative historical
framework. In light ... more This paper investigates the Turkish economy within a comparative historical
framework. In light of a thorough discussion of Turkish economic crises in the post-
1980 period, the paper explores Turkey’s contemporary strengths and weaknesses in the
global economic arena by comparing it with its peers and developed nations. The paper
also highlights Turkey’s extant economic vulnerabilities, especially its current account
deficit, volatile international capital flows and ongoing banking sector problems. Along
with other policy recommendations regarding these vulnerabilities, the paper proposes
the introduction of capital controls to enhance economic institutions and cope with
future hardships.
International Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance, 2015
I study price convergence in asset markets with indefinite duration induced by existence of bank... more I study price convergence in asset markets with indefinite duration induced by existence of bankruptcy risk. By introducing increasing and decreasing fundamental value paths via experimental methodology, this study extends knowledge about traders' incentives in asset markets with indefinite horizons. In most cases, the data indicate significant undervaluation of assets without a buyback value under bankruptcy risk regardless of fundamental value regime. The transaction prices closely follow the fundamental value trend of the asset supported by a terminal value in both definite and indefinite time horizons with constant fundamentals.
The aim of this thesis is to analyze and evaluate the dominance of the dollar and its sustainabil... more The aim of this thesis is to analyze and evaluate the dominance of the dollar and its sustainability in the international monetary system in the light of recent literature and relevant statistical data. Considering the determinants of an international currency,this thesis focuses on the linkages of the dominance of the dollar with the challenge of the euro as an alternative international currency, the current account deficit of the U.S. and foreign exchange reserve accumulation and reserve diversification decision of foreign central banks. The analysis on these determinants indicates that the U.S.dollar is facing many challenges and may face further challenges in sustaining its dominance as an international currency. Given the significance of the U.S. economy and dominance of the dollar as an international currency, the findings of this study indicate that although the euro has not much potential to surpass the dollar as an international currency in the short-term, it is more likely for the international monetary system to witness the existence of multiple international currencies and decline in the degree of the dominance of the dollar in the 21st century.
This article aims to analytically dissect the interrelated reasons behind the gender gap in wealt... more This article aims to analytically dissect the interrelated reasons behind the gender gap in wealth accumulation. To do so, it examines how the accumulation of different forms of capital by women in the course of their lives affects women's prospects in the economic field, thereby shaping women's potential for wealth accumulation. Focusing on women's cooperatives in Turkey through a Bourdieusian lens, the article shows that the patriarchal roles assigned to women result in asymmetries of not only economic but also social and cultural capital that lead to structural impediments against women's endeavors in the economic field. We show, however, that despite these structural impediments, women are not only passive victims of these conditions byt instead develop strategies to cope with these disadvantages and cooperatives play a crucial role in that regard. Finally, through our case study, we demonstrate that both the constraints faced and strategies developed by women are informed by class and occupational background.
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framework. In light of a thorough discussion of Turkish economic crises in the post-
1980 period, the paper explores Turkey’s contemporary strengths and weaknesses in the
global economic arena by comparing it with its peers and developed nations. The paper
also highlights Turkey’s extant economic vulnerabilities, especially its current account
deficit, volatile international capital flows and ongoing banking sector problems. Along
with other policy recommendations regarding these vulnerabilities, the paper proposes
the introduction of capital controls to enhance economic institutions and cope with
future hardships.
framework. In light of a thorough discussion of Turkish economic crises in the post-
1980 period, the paper explores Turkey’s contemporary strengths and weaknesses in the
global economic arena by comparing it with its peers and developed nations. The paper
also highlights Turkey’s extant economic vulnerabilities, especially its current account
deficit, volatile international capital flows and ongoing banking sector problems. Along
with other policy recommendations regarding these vulnerabilities, the paper proposes
the introduction of capital controls to enhance economic institutions and cope with
future hardships.