THE LEGAL REGULATIONS FOR BACHELOR POPULATIONS

Thanks to the implementation of the principles and reforms of Atatürk, “public service” and “education” have become important values. Over time, urbanization increased and migrations from the village to the city began. The increase in the level of education and employment of women has especially given way to great changes in the family structure and in the marital status. Marriages started being postponed as education was given priority. This raised the age of marriage, contributed to an increase in the number of bachelors and led to a reduction in fertility. The fact that a woman with a higher education became knowledgeable, autonomous and financially independent had an impact on divorces. Increase in male deaths in Turkey for various reasons has enhanced the number of widows. According to recent statistics of the Turkey Statistical Institute, over 25% of the total population is single. We refer to as single the category of individuals in their late adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and advanced adulthood, who have never been married, divorced and widowed. The single populations of different developmental periods and different bachelor status reveal the existence of their own chronic stress and needs. This requires specific assistance and services. I have defined the concept of “Singles Counselling” as psycho-educational-social-benefits for single populations. In state policies, legal regulations, scientific research and even provided psychological assistance, single populations and single life are not sufficiently considered in Turkey. Based on a justification of scientific literature, deficiencies in existing applications, the needs and problems of single populations, and certain provisions of the The Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, some legal recommendations for single populations were presented in this compilation study