SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE TO THE INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION IN TURKEY

Industrial engineering is a relatively new field in Türkiye, as the country's economy underwent a significant transformation from an agriculture-based economy to an industrialized economy in the mid-20th century. As Türkiye has become a major player in the global manufacturing industry, the importance of the profession has increased. However, like many other professions in Türkiye, industrial engineering is not immune to challenges such as social inequality, political instability and economic insecurity. The profession is also affected by broader societal trends such as globalization, urbanization and technological change.

One of the main challenges facing industrial engineers in Türkiye is the lack of investment in research and development. This prevents the profession from keeping pace with the latest technologies and developments in the field. In addition, there is a shortage of qualified personnel in the sector, leading to a lack of competitiveness and low productivity. Another problem is the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities in Türkiye. Despite the country's economic growth in recent years, many industrial engineers struggle to find jobs, and those who do often face low wages and poor working conditions. This is especially true for women, who are underrepresented in the field and face discrimination in the workplace.

Overall, the industrial engineering profession in Türkiye reflects the broader social and economic conditions in the country. Addressing the challenges facing the profession requires a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the technical aspects of the field, but also the social and political factors that have shaped the development and growth of the profession.