The Social Impact of the 2008 Global Economic Crisis on Neighborhoods, Households, and Individuals

• In Event: 420 - Research Poster Session. Communicating Sociology

Abstract

The purpose of this research poster is to introduce our new data and preliminary results on the social consequences of the 2008 global economic crisis in Turkey. Our purpose is to explore the extent to which the global economic crisis, that hit many countries in the early fall of 2008, is also a social crisis, in a new societal context--Turkey. Our main purpose is to analyze the social impact of the economic crisis at three levels: 1) neighborhoods, 2) households, and 3) individuals. Our empirical evidence is based on recently collected data from 2011 (and 2013-2014 panel which is underway and hopefully be ready by this year’s ASA annual meeting) taken from a nationally-representative sample of urban neighborhoods and families. We begin our analysis by first examining the impact of the economic crisis on neighborhood social problems and whether they have intensified due to the crisis. Next, we focus on how households are affected by the economic crisis and coping strategies they employ. Finally, we examine how individual mental and physical health and wellbeing are affected by the crisis.

Authors

• Isik Aytac, Bogazici University

• Bruce Rankin, Koc University

• Arda Ibikoglu, Bogazici University

• Ayse Yetis Bayraktar, Bogazici University