The autonomy of the political field. The resources of the Deputies of Diyarbakır (Turkey): 1920-2002

Abstract

One can hypothesise about the autonomy of the political field in a complex society. To give an empirical dimension to this hypothesis, the author researches the resources mobilised by the candidates in parliamentary elections in the administrative department of Diyarbakır (Turkey) from 1920 to 2002. Four non-political resources can be mobilised (charisma, agrarian clientele and social capital resulting from a profession or family.) Furthermore, political resources are defined as the support of the party. After a statistical analysis, we find that the resources mobilised are changing in consideration of three factors. Firstly, the socio-economical changes (urbanisation, mechanisation of agriculture, etc.); secondly, the political party which plays a central role in the creation and transformation of resources; lastly, the institutional framework (coup d’état, electoral rules, etc.).

Keywords

• political parties
• elections
• resources