Women, Higher Education, and the Labor Market: A Cross-cultural Understanding of the Impact of Religion

Allison Fife

Abstract

How do deeply held cultural perspectives shape the desire and ability of women to pursue higher education and or careers? More specifically, how do predominant religious and cultural perspectives on the family, the role of women, and the role of education influence a woman's decision to obtain higher education and her perceived ability or desire to seek full-time employment upon graduation? To answer these questions, this research utilizes a cross-cultural survey instrument to compare and contrast the perceptions of female, undergraduate students in one predominantly Muslim/Middle Eastern society -- Dubai, U.A.E -- and one predominantly Mormon/Western society -- Utah, U.S.A. Through survey research of these women in both locations, I propose to compare how predominant religious and cultural perspectives on family, gender, and education change or influence a woman's decision to obtain higher education and her perception of how they dictate her ability or desire to seek full-time employment after graduation. Given the growing interest on female perceptions in the workforce and the ability of women to "balance" career and family interests, this research helps fill the gap in cross-cultural knowledge on this topic and, in particular, helps us gain further insight on the influence of religion in determining attitudes towards work, family, and higher education.

 
Apr 9th, 12:00 AM

Women, Higher Education, and the Labor Market: A Cross-cultural Understanding of the Impact of Religion

How do deeply held cultural perspectives shape the desire and ability of women to pursue higher education and or careers? More specifically, how do predominant religious and cultural perspectives on the family, the role of women, and the role of education influence a woman's decision to obtain higher education and her perceived ability or desire to seek full-time employment upon graduation? To answer these questions, this research utilizes a cross-cultural survey instrument to compare and contrast the perceptions of female, undergraduate students in one predominantly Muslim/Middle Eastern society -- Dubai, U.A.E -- and one predominantly Mormon/Western society -- Utah, U.S.A. Through survey research of these women in both locations, I propose to compare how predominant religious and cultural perspectives on family, gender, and education change or influence a woman's decision to obtain higher education and her perception of how they dictate her ability or desire to seek full-time employment after graduation. Given the growing interest on female perceptions in the workforce and the ability of women to "balance" career and family interests, this research helps fill the gap in cross-cultural knowledge on this topic and, in particular, helps us gain further insight on the influence of religion in determining attitudes towards work, family, and higher education.