Language
Country/Area
No result found
Gender and social capital: Why do women in Saudi Arabia face such challenges?
Women in Saudi Arabia face many gender-related social challenges that directly impact their social capital. Social capital refers to the social networks a person has and the resources and opportunities that these networks bring. According to multiple studies, Saudi women are at a significant disadvantage in this regard, not only because of their gender identity but also because of cultural, legal and economic structures.
The lack of social capital causes women to face barriers in finding jobs and in social activities, which prevents them from achieving an economic status comparable to that of men.
Gender as a basis for division
Gender plays a significant role in Saudi Arabian society. Many studies have pointed out that the discrimination women suffer due to their gender indirectly leads to a reduction in their social capital. These differences in social capital affect their social connections outside the family and, in turn, their ability to access resources.
The impact of cultural taboosWomen are often limited to relying on their families for social connections, a limitation that prevents them from obtaining professional and financial support.
In Saudi Arabia, cultural taboos also pose many challenges to women's social entry. Traditional gender role expectations restrict women not only in public places but also in many cases prevent them from freely forming relationships with others. This cultural background often means that women have access to more limited resources when looking for jobs or participating in social activities.
Legal and policy barriers
In addition, Saudi Arabia's laws and policies fail to effectively protect women's right to equal treatment. For example, while women’s rights have improved in recent years, many laws still restrict women’s freedom of movement in certain areas, further undermining their competitiveness in the job market.
Changing the impact of these laws on women and improving their social capital is an important step towards achieving gender equality.
The impact of economic factors
Economic factors are also key factors affecting women's social capital. Many women are often unable to work full-time due to heavy family burdens, and when faced with part-time work, the pay and career fulfillment they receive are often lower than those of men. This makes them more restricted in accumulating social capital.
Even if some women have achieved success in their positions, the social networks they have established are mostly limited to family and friends, and they lack communication with other professionals in the industry, which to some extent weakens their influence. .Possibilities for women’s self-empowerment
Despite these challenges, there are still some women who are working hard to overcome these obstacles. Through education and social participation, they gradually build up their own social capital. This will not only improve their competitiveness in the workplace, but also enhance their influence in the community.
Education is seen as the best way to advance women's social status as it can open more doors of opportunity for them.
Explore deeper issues
Saudi Arabian women face gender and social capital challenges that make it increasingly difficult for them to have equal opportunities with men in the workplace and in society. To completely change this situation, not only the reform of policies and regulations is needed, but also the joint efforts of all members of society.
Against this backdrop, we cannot help but ask, how will Saudi Arabian women overcome these challenges and gain greater social capital and opportunities for economic independence in the future?
