ABSTRACT
The professionalization of politics reflects its transformation into a distinct career path, observable globally. Whereas politicians once engaged in politics for ideological purposes, many now treat it as a profession—existing through politics rather than for it. This shift manifests in parliamentary behavior, where MPs increasingly switch parties to prolong their careers. Analyzing Turkey’s political landscape over four decades, this study investigates the link between party-switching and political professionalization. Employing quantitative methods, the research demonstrates that MPs who change parties exhibit longer parliamentary tenures than those who remain loyal, suggesting party-switching enhances career continuity. However, stronger party institutionalization reduces such behavior, indicating organizational stability discourages defections. The findings imply that in an era of professionalized politics, party-switching operates less as an ideological act and more as a strategic career decision. This aligns with broader trends of political professionalization, where careerist incentives increasingly shape legislative behavior. The study contributes to understanding how institutional and individual factors interact in modern political systems, highlighting the tension between party loyalty and career advancement in professionalized legislatures.
