Based on a review of historical development of sex equality
discourses, and practices in Turkey, and Britain, this paper identifies
patterns, and trends of change, and explores how real change towards sex
equality could be achieved in both countries. Three aspects of equal
opportunities discourse, and practice vvere evaluated: legal framevvork,
national machinery, and organisational approaches in both countries. It is
argued that Turkish, and British women, despite the geographical,
historical, economic, and cultural differences betvveen their countries, share
a common position as disadvantaged groups in employment. The statistical
indicators of employment, and gender gap in pay, legislative provision, and
the sociological studies of equality of opportunity in employment in both
countries suggest that there is stili ample opportunity for progress tovvards
sex equality. Hovvever, the nature of proposed agendas of change in
legislative, state policy, and organisational approaches to equality shovvs
divergence betvveen Turkey, and Britain