Transcript Investigating Factors that Structure Societal Perception

Supported by
Investigating Factors that
Structure Societal Perception
of Gender Roles in Jordan
Dr. Yahya A.Ali/team leader
Prof. Mousa S. Mohsen
Dr. Kholoud Y. Mashal
Hashemite University
May 3-2008
Hashemite University
The Hashemite University (HU) was
established in 1992 by a royal decree
The university now includes ten faculties,
one institution and two deanships
HU is the fifth state university in the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and is
located on the outskirts of the city of Zarqa
east of the capital city, Amman.
The HU has undertaken a number of
research projects including a Regional
Badia Development program funded by
UNDP
The research will seek answers to
the following questions:
What is the current perception of men,
women (girls and boys) of their roles and
responsibilities in public and private
spheres as opposed to what they actually
do?
What are the factors that explain societies’
present perception towards women?
How and why females and males attitudes
towards women roles in society differ?
What are attitudes of local leaders towards
women?
Project Goal and Objectives
Develop a tool that will help measure
attitudes towards women;
Link attitudes to characteristics and
behaviour of individuals;
Identify factors that influence individual
attitudes and perceptions towards women;
Identify geographical areas and social
groups that have more conservative
attitudes towards women
Project Description
Phase one will measure attitudes
towards women through applying a
questionnaire with a nationally
representative sample chosen by a
multistage stratification technique.
The questionnaire will be conducted
across Jordan and will comprise of
different sections one of which will
utilize the Helmreich and Spence
“attitudes towards women” scale
Once the findings of the questionnaire
emerge the second phase of the
research will start. A total of 10 focus
groups will be held across the north,
south and Badia regions
Additionally, face to face interviews
will be held with 20 community
leaders who influence public opinion
(such as tribal leaders, women
activities, journalists etc) and will
further explore their attitudes towards
women.
Thanks
Discussion