tutuculuk

Tutuculuk is a Turkish term that denotes a tendency to cling to people, objects, routines, or beliefs. It describes a pattern of attachment characterized by reluctance to let go, excessive insistence on the familiar, and resistance to change. The noun is formed from the verb tutmak (to hold) with the suffix -culuk, indicating a habitual or characteristic state.

In psychology and everyday discourse, tutuculuk is used to discuss both personal behavior and social dynamics, including clinginess in relationships, hoarding of possessions, or resistance to new policies and technologies. It can be observed in consumer behavior, family life, and organizational settings, where individuals or groups favor the tried option over novelty.

Cultural context: In Turkish culture, strong emphasis on familial loyalty and continuity can reinforce tutuculuk, especially among older generations or in tightly knit communities. Urbanization and globalization may produce tensions between tradition and modernization, sometimes intensifying or reframing the pattern.

Criticism and interpretation: Some scholars view tutuculuk as a form of adaptive psychology—providing security in uncertainty—while others see it as a barrier to change. It overlaps with concepts such as attachment, risk aversion, and conservatism. In clinical or counseling contexts, extreme tutuculuk may be addressed through strategies that build autonomy and coping with change, while respecting personal values.