The effects of postmodernism on Turkish public administration: A political, economic and socio-cultural perspective

Modernism, which has been effective with the Age of Enlightenment, has constantly sought innovation and advocated universal truths. Postmodernism, on the other hand, is an understanding that develops by criticizing modernism. The definition of postmodernism varies as it is a critique, antonym or adjunct of modernism. It can be said that the inability to define postmodernism with a definite judgment is related to its failure to fully break with modernism. By defending the traditions, postmodernism did not accept the existence of a universal truth and had the belief that there is no single truth and that each individual's thought can be true. The Turkish public administration, which was under the influence of the understanding of modernism before the 1980s, has become unable to respond to the conditions of the age. The Turkish public administration, which needs development, has been affected by the postmodern way of thinking, especially since the 1980s. It can be said that postmodern ideas have succeeded in influencing Turkish public administration in the political, economic and socio-cultural fields, albeit a little. The existence of various ethnic origins in the social structure in Turkey has provided the politicians with the opportunity to use the integrative discourse adopted by postmodernism. Postmodernism has been reflected in Turkey's economic life with liberal policies. Postmodern public administration, which affects Turkish public administration structurally and functionally, has increased efficiency and effectiveness in public services. It can be said that postmodernism directs individuals to cultural alienation and consumption culture with the effect of mass media in the socio-cultural field in Turkey. The hypothesis of the study: "Postmodernism started to affect the Turkish public administration since the 1980s, and in the following years it played an important role in the restructuring of the Turkish public administration, together with its political, economic and socio-cultural dimensions." Historical and descriptive research methods were used in the study. The provability of the hypothesis will be evaluated by examining the political, economic and socio-cultural fields in which Turkish public administration is shaped by the influence of postmodernism.