Gender, Media, and State Power: The Istanbul Convention and Turkey’s Withdrawal Process

Practice flashcards based on the key concepts and details from the lecture on the Istanbul Convention and Turkey's withdrawal process.

What is the aim of the Istanbul Convention?

To prevent violence against women and domestic violence.

What does the Istanbul Convention define as a key issue?

Gender-based violence as a structural problem.

What are the core principles of the Istanbul Convention?

Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Integrated Policies.

How does the Istanbul Convention define 'Gender'?

Socially constructed roles, behaviours, and attributes associated with women and men.

What was one of the reasons why the concept of Gender in the Convention was contested?

It was interpreted as denying biological sex.

What does the Convention state about non-discrimination?

Protection must be ensured without discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

What cultural factors cannot justify violence according to Article 12 of the Convention?

Culture, tradition, religion, or so-called ‘honour’.

What are some common discourses framing the Istanbul Convention as a threat?

It was framed as destroying the family and undermining moral values.

What was Turkey's action regarding the Istanbul Convention in 2021?

Turkey withdrew from the Convention by Presidential decree.

What were the official justifications for Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention?

Protection of the family, claims of 'gender ideology', and anti-LGBTQ+ discourse.

How was the Convention framed in media discourse?

As a cultural threat rather than a legal framework.

What are some alternative headlines that support the Istanbul Convention?

The Istanbul Convention Saves Lives, Women’s Right to Life Is Non-Negotiable.

What is anti-gender politics?

A global political movement opposing gender equality policies.

Which three countries were compared in the context of their relationship with the Istanbul Convention?

Turkey, Poland, and Hungary.

What is the core idea behind Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony?

The state governs not only through coercion but also by creating consent.

What does Stanley Cohen's concept of moral panic involve?

Societies constructing exaggerated narratives of threat and turning groups into 'folk devils'.

According to Judith Butler, what is gender?

Not merely an identity category, but a site of power and political struggle.

What is the discussion question posed in the lecture?

Is withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention a legal decision or a symbolic act of power?