Understanding of social municipalism in Turkey: An example of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Social municipality, as the local reflection of the social state, is more important today than ever before. Depending on social, economic and technological developments, the problems of the modern world are diversifying and increasing in both quantity and quality. These problems lead to the emergence of disadvantaged groups and in this direction can cause victimization to large masses. The new and modern understanding of municipalism is based on the fact that the service units of the municipalities step in and carry out activities to solve the problems that the state cannot easily solve due to its dominant field. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review was conducted on sources such as books, articles, journals and theses on the subject. The survey technique, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was used because it is appropriate for the purpose of the research. While the literature review was based on qualitative technique, the survey method was prepared in accordance with the quantitative research technique. As a result of the studies, the scope and practices of social municipalism in Turkey were evaluated. Considering the developed countries, it is seen that the understanding of social municipalism is a path that needs to be developed, but the activities to meet the basic needs are presented with current and valid elements. As a result of the examination and research of the samples presented through developed countries within the scope of social municipalism, it has been understood that the municipal organization should assume an active and effective role in meeting the social needs of the society. In this context, research on the development process and practices of the concept of social municipalism in Turkey has revealed that municipalities should assume a more active and effective role in meeting the social needs of society. Therefore, the spread and strengthening of the social municipalism concept will be an important step towards increasing social welfare at the local level. Finally, the research data were obtained by using the "Social Municipalism Service" scale using a 5-point Likert scale. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis were used to validate the scale. The data obtained from the sample group of 632 people participating in the research were analyzed with the SPSS program. During the analysis, the hypotheses of the research were confirmed by analyzing with T-test and Anavo Test. The findings obtained as a result of the research were evaluated and various recommendations were presented.