As much as there has been the creation of employment opportunities massively generated by the oil industry in the Middle East and North African nations, there are still significant disparities on the level of women participation in the labor force as noted by Massoud and Moghadam (53). These disparities have been attributed to various factors, but the most outstanding reasons have remained to be two-fold; first, the traditional gender paradigm characterized by patriarchy play a significant role accompanied by occupational segregation which is mainly defined by disparities in the income level. This thesis paper explores the validity of the statement “Patriarchy and high income from oil are the main culprits in keeping women out of the labor market in the Middle East and North Africa." This forms the basis of the thesis statement which explores the role of patriarchy, and high incomes contribute to labor disparities in the oil industry in MENA regions.
As indicated in the introduction, the MENA countries have recorded high disparity levels of employment of women in the oil industry. Despite the fact that the women in these regions have been empowered through education and the provision of other important social services that improve their social status, there are still major significant factors that hinder their participation in the labor force as noted by Alhawarin et al. (22). There are two main theories that provide an explanation to this ever existing disparity as noted by the Gender and Development in the Middle East and North Africa: Women in the Public Sphere (93).
The traditional gender paradigm
According to Gender and Development in the Middle East and North Africa : Women in the Public Sphere (94), this is a theory that presents the traditional gender specifications assigned to men and women in the MENA societies which have common societal set-ups in terms of their cultural beliefs as well as their religious backgrounds which is mainly Islam. In this case, there are defined structures that guide the conduct of men and women in the society, and this defines their roles and determine the opportunities that they get to enjoy in the society. The traditional gender paradigm focuses on four key elements that e central to it and for the individuals in the society at large. The first element is the centrality of the family in the society. This brings out the critical role that men and women play in the family. To stress the criticality of accomplishing these roles, there are religious teachings, constitutions, and legislations that seal the cultural importance of the family in the society. In this case, women have the sole responsibility of being the home makers and accomplishing their roles if nurturing their children and husbands. This denies them the opportunity to engage in the oil industry labor force. The second important element in this theory is the provision of the man as the sole breadwinner. In this case, the men take the central role of providing for their families. MENA countries have a provision in the law that stipulates that men should fully provide for their families thus denying women the right to provide for themselves. In this case, they are denied the opportunities to take up job opportunities in the different sectors of the economy and more specifically the oil industry which is well paying.
The third element is the code of modesty that women are perceived to uphold in the MENA societies as noted by Gender and Development in the Middle East and North Africa: Women in the Public Sphere (95). Women are perceived as the sole owners of the modesty of the MENA society. In this situation, women are supposed to be totally subjective to the men around them thus they are fully controlled. This situation deprives women the opportunity to explore their potentials by participating in the labor market thus their minimal participation. The last element is the unequal power granted to both genders. Men are perceived to be superior in the MENA society while women play the subjective role. The consequences that accompany any form of disobedience is punishable by law and include divorce and loss of financial support. This situation results to pushing women out of the labor market. All these factors contribute to the patriarchy system of societal organization which is a direct hindrance to the participation of women in the oil industry labor market which would have been a perfect opportunity for them to develop and improve their living standards.
This paradigm mainly focuses on the cultural set up of the MENA societies which is experiencing vast changes due to the increasing globalization and market liberalization in the world today. It, therefore, stands that as much as this is the situation, the empowerment of women is taking shape and there are noticeable changes taking place in the society that is gradually readdressing this problem.
Occupational segregation theory
According to Gender and Development in the Middle East and North Africa: Women in the Public Sphere (100), the labor force within the MENA countries faces significant discrimination and inequality that manifests itself through occupation segregation and wage discrimination. MENA countries earn huge incomes from the oil industry which makes the labor market competitive. Due to the defined gender roles that are dictated by the traditional gender paradigm, women are largely discriminated regarding the tasks that they accomplish as well as the level of income that they are paid. The men largely dominate the supervisory positions in the various sectors of the economy while women play roles at the production level. This segregation in occupational roles results to disparities to the payment levels which significantly suppresses the amount of income that women are paid. Despite the fact that these are economies that are well established and have the labor market is paid a high level of incomes, there is great wage discrimination against women. This discourages the active engagement of women in the labor force thus significantly reducing their contribution in the labor market.
This theory provides the situation as it is in the MENA countries and defines the nature of the society. On the other hand, there are significant developments that are being experienced through the various women empowerment programs thus there are some significant changes and improvements that women are experiencing in the labor force.
Policy recommendations
There are some applicable of policies that can be implemented in the MENA countries that will help readdress the problem of women discrimination in participating in the labor market. First, there needs to be adjustments concerning the gender roles as stipulated in the MENA countries constitution. With the huge financial spending that has been directed to support the different women empowerment programs, it is important that policies to facilitate their practical contributions to the society are put in place. This will allow women have equal opportunities as men in the labor market.
It is also important that policies on gender gaps on occupation and wages are put in place to ensure that is equality in the labor force. This will allow women to have better chances in the labor force and act as a source of motivation for their participation. Once women are granted these opportunities, the societies get to realize an all-rounded developing society that is empowered.
The socio-cultural and economic set up within the MENA societies play a critical role in shaping the participation of women in the labor market. The statement “Patriarchy and high income from oil are the main culprits in keeping women out of the labor market in the Middle East and North Africa” stands to be a valid statement due to the driving factors examined. However, once the policy recommendations are implemented, there will be a realization of significant changes and development in the participation of women within these societies.
Works cited
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