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The attitude of the Turkish population towards markets, wealth and capitalism

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  • Murat Çokgezen

Abstract

Although most countries today have a capitalist economic system, people's views on capitalism and its features differ. This study aims to assess Turkish people's views on the market mechanism, wealth, and capitalism in general. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 2011 respondents in 28 Turkish cities in 2024. The survey results show that Turkish people's views on the market mechanism, wealth, and capitalism in general are not positive. These views do not differ systematically by gender, age, education or income. The study also suggests that these attitudes may be related to the fact that the state has played an important role in Turkey's economy since its inception and has become more active since 2010.

Suggested Citation

  • Murat Çokgezen, 2026. "The attitude of the Turkish population towards markets, wealth and capitalism," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(1), pages 115-131, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecaffa:v:46:y:2026:i:1:p:115-131
    DOI: 10.1111/ecaf.70026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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