Perception of women in sports in the 21st century in Turkey

The aim of study is to investigate women perception in sports with views of women and men involved in different sports status in Turkey in 2000s and later. Phenomenology and case study methods of qualitative research were used. To collect data, interview method was used. A personal-information form was used with semi-structured interview forms. Study population consists of 20 volunteers chosen with purposive-sampling method. Collecting data via a voice-recorder, descriptive analysis method was utilized. Data revealed independent codes through three experts. Similar codes brought together and themes about questions were revealed. With participants' view, codes took shape in cultural situations frame. According to answers, the obtained codes took shape in cultural situations, personal acquisitions of women and situations peculiar to women themes. In the 21st century, women perception in Turkey differ among regions, also they are seen as a second-class citizen and are exposed to inequality in different situations. It was emphasized women and men have only biological differences in sports and women and men are equals in every sense. It was determined the number of sport scientists and athletes in the country is higher when compared to the women who are sports-managers, referees and in other status. It was decided the number of women in these status is insufficient and they need to be supported. Consequently, results emphasized the importance of women in every field of sports and existence of women can overcome all the problems in the field of sports.