A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE SOCIO-CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONAL THREATS FACED BY WORKING WOMEN IN JORDAN

Abstract

Despite advancements in female education and legislative efforts to promote gender equality, women in Jordan continue to face substantial barriers to full participation in the labor market. This study explores the multifaceted threats encountered by working women in Jordan through a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with fifteen women employed across various sectors, including education, healthcare, public administration, and retail. Using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software, five core themes emerged: gendered social norms and family expectations, workplace discrimination and unequal opportunities, harassment and lack of accountability, structural barriers and inadequate policy support, and silence, stigma, and emotional burnout. The findings reveal that socio-cultural expectations often pressure women to prioritize domestic responsibilities, while institutional and organizational environments perpetuate gender biases, restrict career advancement, and expose women to unsafe working conditions. A sentiment analysis of participant narratives further highlighted the emotional impact of these experiences, with the majority expressing strong negative sentiments, particularly related to discrimination and psychological stress. The study underscores the need for holistic interventions, including legal reforms, organizational accountability, and cultural change, to create equitable, supportive, and safe environments for women in the Jordanian workforce. By capturing lived experiences, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on gender and labor in the Middle East and offers actionable insights for policymakers, employers, and social advocates committed to women’s empowerment.