Change of social policy in the context of social services in Turkey between 2002 and 2022: The case of Dı̇yarbakır

Over the past two decades, reforms have been implemented in the fields of social services and social policy in Turkey. These reforms have been the subject of a limited number of analyses to reveal the quality and accessibility of services, especially at the local level. This study aims to examine how social policy has changed in the context of social services in Turkey between 2002 and 2022 through the example of Diyarbakır Province. For this purpose, the study was conducted according to the case study design, one of the qualitative research methods. In addition, the study is explained in relation to the concepts of Structural Functionalist Theory. In the study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants who are experts in their fields by applying the data collection tool Semi-Structured Interview Form. The data were analyzed using Maxqda software. The findings of the study concluded that, in addition to the positive evaluations there has been a great change in the field of social services in the last year and that there has been an increase in aid for disadvantaged groups, an increase in financial support, and an increase in accessibility and diversity of services, there are also negative evaluations such as the use of social aids as a political tool, unfair distribution, and weakening of the production economy. Weaknesses in women's work and the fight against violence, the role of non-governmental organizations, the relationship between social policy reforms and international developments, asylum seeker policies, and the improvement of childcare systems are discussed in the study. It has been concluded that there have been changes in the field of social services in the last twenty years, that social service institutions have become more functional as a result of these changes; however, there are some areas that need to be improved in some areas and suggestions have been developed on these issues. The findings of the study were also analysed in terms of the Human Development Index and the European Union Progress Reports and it was concluded that Turkey needs to harmonise more with the EU norms in the field of social policies and services and that there is a need to review and improve existing policies and practices.