As an indication of social and political participation of woman: woman associations in Antalya and socio-economic analysis of their member structures.

The social and economic factors are the primary factors that determine the political attitudes. In this contex, the study aims to verify the relationship between the socio-economic factors and the political participation of women in Antalya. Political participation includes voting, protesting, lobbying, trying to persuade other?s to vote. Related with this study, political participation includes many activities that brings together with relation with people, group behaviour and social activity. Nongovermental organizations are included in this type of political participation. Nongovermental organizations, which are a significant indicator of democratization, have shown a very rapid development in Turkey, especially in recent years. The number of nongovernmental organizations, such as foundations, associations and citizen's initiatives, which undertake the responsibilities of the community voluntarily, are increasing every day. Furthermore, a significant majority of these organizations have relations with the similar international or foreign organizations. These organizations, act as the voice of civil society and are the heart of democratic discourse. Today, the number of associations engaged in activities in many fields such as sports, culture, health, social assistance, women and artisans associations The study, focuses on woman associations in Antalya. Woman associations have an important power on the improvement of the status of women. While in the Ottoman era women?s status was improved over the time when Islamic social hierarchy was accepted, they were still almost totally deprived of political rights. Reform edicts made it possible for them to hold some public offices. There were associations headed by women but most of these functioned as charity oganizations. In 1924, the Kemalist reforms opened the way for the women to join the civil service. In 1930, women gained the right to participate in municipal and, in 1934, national elections. It was only in 1980s that Turkish woman began to see herself as a political actor rather than as a housewife at home with a life based on her family. Coming on the scene and the becoming widespread of a nongovermental organization is also linked with the level of the social and economic development of that region. Therefore, in the study, the social and economic structure of Antalya is mentioned generally. In Antalya there are 16 woman associations and 12 of them is included in this survey. Total number of association members is 1325, and 151 of them chosen for sample. The woman associations in Antalya, in general aim to integrate women in social, economic and political life. They struggle for equality in education, health, labor, politics, law, the arts and the science. ? The Association for Supporting and Educating Women Candidates(KADER): Promotes equal representation of women in all levels of the decision-making process in Turkey. ? Association of University Women: A national organization that promotes education and equity for all women and girls. ? Turkish Mothers? Association: Provides help to students and poor families. The education committee awards scholarships to students in Antalya. ? Association of Solidarity of Women in Antalya: promote solidarity and communication among women homeworkers in Antalya. As a conclusion, this study brings light to the relation between the socio-economic status of woman and the aim of the association she is included. ? Unlike older respondents, younger respondents do not interest in participating in any association. Because of the reasons such as education, looking for a job, they often move from one place to another place. In this contex, these conditions make participating in the meeting of associations difficult. ? Education level of a respondent is also have a big impact on participating in associations. Respondent who has higher level of education interests in participating in associations more than the respondent who has lower level of education. ? Level of income is another factor that affects the participation in an association. Respondent who has high level of income interests in political participation more than the respondent who has low level of income.