"Jordanian Women's Perception of the Discrepancy between Education and " by Rana El Khawand

Date of Conferral

1-13-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Antoinette Pigatt

Abstract

This study is an examination of the perceptions of educated Jordanian women regarding the gap between their high educational attainment and limited access to the labor market, focusing on systemic sociocultural, institutional, and economic barriers. Targeting women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the study was conducted using a feminist theoretical framework emphasizing societal norms, power imbalances, and institutional inequities as critical factors shaping women’s professional experiences. A generic qualitative design was employed, collecting data through semistructured interviews and SenseMaker narratives from four faculty members at a Jordanian university. Thematic coding, discourse analysis, and sentiment analysis were used to identify patterns and themes. The findings revealed four key themes: (a) cultural expectations and gender norms prioritizing domestic roles, (b) workplace discrimination and inequities in hiring and promotion, (c) economic and institutional barriers such as inadequate childcare and limited mobility, and (d) resistance from male colleagues and husbands who felt threatened by gender equity initiatives. These findings underscore the interplay of cultural, economic, and institutional factors perpetuating gender disparities. Strategic recommendations include implementing gender-sensitive workplace policies, fostering inclusive organizational cultures, and addressing resistance to equity initiatives. The study’s implications for positive social change include guiding policymakers and organizational leaders to dismantle systemic barriers and empower women, advancing workforce inclusion, and driving economic and social progress in Jordan.

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