Bachelor’s Degree Motivations and Obstacles in Saudi Arabia
Contents
Bachelor’s Degree Motivations and Obstacles in Saudi Arabia
Introduction
Women’s empowerment has become a priority for governments across the world, and most agree that educating girls and providing them the opportunities to pursue higher education is equal to educating a nation. Gender stereotypes, which ascribe certain roles to women, have long hampered efforts toward their development. However, the world has changed now, and women are breaking new ground. They are playing critical roles in society, and therefore, it has become imperative to support them in every way.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree has become a major goal for women owing to many reasons. They have realized that lack of education places them at an economic disadvantage, and by acquiring an education and getting a job, they can help their family. Also, some women obtain a bachelor’s degree to improve their self-esteem and feel good about themselves. The image of an educated, career-oriented women, occupying an exalted position in the job market is an inspiration for many.
Women and Higher Education
Ross (2003) discusses the obstacles and motivations for African American women who seek education. He interviewed African American women in the United States and compiled the reasons motivating them to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The reasons included getting a job, achieving independence, and giving back to the community, among others. Ross identifies peer pressure as a primary obstacle toward women attaining their full potential.
Further, a survey by Hewlett and Luce (2005) revealed that most women preferred earning their income to borrowing money from people. Others related having a higher education to better careers, self-satisfaction, and improved social status.
According to Kirdar (2006), the economy of the Arab and Gulf countries is the salient motivating factor behind the urge to acquire degrees. For instance, women from Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain pursued a college education to resolve the economic crisis in their families. These women are not tied down by their marriage but instead, use their situation to boost their morale and aim for the best. A survey conducted on more than one hundred students established that married students pursued a bachelor’s degree to improve the economy, serve the community, and enhance their social lives.
In many cultures, education is considered only the means to mold women into good mothers and wives. This is especially true in Saudi Arabia where women are the primary caretakers of their homes. However, not many realize that providing higher education opportunities to women will benefit the family, as well as the society. Educating women will help them gain critical and analytical skills that could help resolve domestic problems. Women, therefore, require the support and understanding of the men to realize their dreams.
Conclusion
The study has highlighted the reasons why women seek college degrees. These rationales consist of social status, economic issues, self-empowerment, and community service. It is, however, essential to note that women have varying interests and capabilities. What is interesting to one may not be so for another. Likewise, the motivatation to get college degrees also differs. Women are able to balance their families, education, and career. Countries such as Saudi Arabia must empower women to attain the highest education levels as they could contribute immensely to the development of world economies.
References
Kirdar, S. (2006). The development of women’s education in the Arab world. Education in the Muslim world: Different perspectives, 191-210.
Hewlett, S.A., & Luce, C.B. (2005). Off-ramps and on-ramps: Keeping talented women on the road to success. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2005/03/off-ramps-and-on-ramps-keeping-talented-women-on-the-road-to-success#
Ross, M. (2003). Success factors of young African American women at a historically black college, 53-56. Westport, Conn.: Praeger.
