Makale Adı
Framing the mobility of the educated: Brain-drain discourses among pre-service teachers in Türkiye
Dergi Adı
British Educational Research Journal
DOI Numarası
https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.70055
Açıklama / Tanıtım
This study examines how pre-service teachers in Türkiye make sense of ‘brain drain’. A qualitative descriptive case design analysed 52 written responses to an open-ended form. Reflexive thematic analysis was read through Fraser's social-justice lens (redistribution, recognition, representation) and Lee's push–pull model; the code–to–theory crosswalk appears in Appendix Table A1. Findings show that pre-service teachers frame mobility as a response to economic insecurity and to structural conditions—perceived meritocracy failures, constrained rights/voice and limited professional growth. Three clusters emerged: perceptions (quality-of-life comparisons alongside concerns over freedom, recognition and dignity, plus ethical dilemmas—patriotism vs the right to leave); motivations (low purchasing power, career development via language gains and international exposure, together with systemic distrust); and barriers (family/belonging and a guarded belief in reform), with language and finance operating as intervening obstacles that delay rather than erase intentions. Foregrounding justice claims within a classic push–pull frame, the study shows that mobility talk is normatively charged and structurally situated: redistribution, recognition and representation map onto origin stressors (O−), destination attractions (D+) and feasibility constraints (IO), moderated by personal factors (P±). Substantively, intentions form at the intersection of dignity-seeking and opportunity structures; obstacles shape timing more than direction. Practically, teacher-education providers and employers can pair material improvements with credible voice and recognition (transparent pathways, participatory councils) and broaden low-stakes internationalization to turn intent into circulation—short exchanges, virtual/blended mobility, targeted language bursaries, supervised overseas practicum and diaspora mentoring.