Gender, education, and career in the Arab world: A literature review

Abstract

The underrepresentation of females in certain fields has been studied extensively in many countries. Similar to other parts of the World, the number of females graduating each year from universities in the Arab World now exceeds the number of males, yet gender differences in educational fields persist. The objective of this study is to review the extant literature on the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the Arab World. The review synthesizes the findings of 86 articles that were published in journals and conference proceedings. This review explores gender differences in mathematics performance, math anxiety, self-concept, and occupational career choices. The review also explores social barriers that contribute to the underrepresentation of females in STEM fields. The study highlights differences between results obtained in the Arab World and results obtained in Western countries while also noting the differences between the Arab countries themselves. Finally, the study suggests directions for future research.

The impact of value conflict on academic adjustment among first-year students at Kuwait University: a quantitative study

“…providing free psychological counseling, allowing non-profit campaigns to spread awareness about mental health, giving lectures about positive conservative values, and encouraging students to volunteer with charitable organizations for various causes). However, proper mental health services in Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, according to a recent study, remain largely hospital-based and there are little-to-no reported data about the prevalence of mental illness, especially among the elderly and young (Abdel-Khalek, 2000; Al-Anezi, 2021; Al-Ansari, 2002; Mamtani and Lowenfels, 2018; Mozahem, 2021). Due to technological advances and modern media outlets, students are now exposed continuously to contradictory values and other cultural perspectives.…”

What Challenges Affect Arab Women’s Engagement in STEM Fields, Particularly Engineering: A Systematized Literature Review

“…• Challenges related to maternity. Recent studies [11], [27]- [30] have highlighted the significant impact of Arab culture and society on women's experiences in engineering, where they face various social, cultural, and familial barriers that contribute to their underrepresentation in STEM fields. These obstacles are reinforced by the dominant patriarchal culture and cultural norms that dictate women's conduct.…”

“…These cultural barriers are rooted in patriarchal cultures with overprotective attitudes towards women that are commonly found in the Arab world. For instance, parents and male siblings often influence women's career choices, which has been emphasized as a significant contributor to the underrepresentation of women in engineering [27]- [30], [32]- [36].…”

“…Despite the growth in women's educational pursuits, gender bias still prevails, making it challenging for women to achieve their goals in the field of engineering. Studies in the Arab world reveal a strong gender bias against women in engineering, particularly in the form of gender stereotypes [30]. For example, female students in Qatar faced challenges due to gender bias from their professors and male peers, making it challenging to prove their intelligence and abilities [27].…”

“…Several gender-related challenges, such as gender stereotypes and societal expectations of gender roles, can prevent women from pursuing careers in STEM fields [30]. Women who have graduated from university and attempted to pursue careers or postgraduate degrees are often excluded from these opportunities due to their gender, so they are much less likely to gain employment and/or remain in it [29].…”