Gender Norms and Attitudes in the Arab Region

• In Event: 30214 - Regular Session on Gender: Gendered Inequalities

Abstract

This study investigates gender norms and attitudes across seven Arab countries—Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Iraq—using data from the 2023-2024 Arab Barometer survey. The research examines how religious, cultural, socio-political, and economic factors influence public attitudes toward gender equality. Employing a cross-sectional survey design and Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis, the study identifies significant predictors of gender inequality, including gender, education, political engagement, and perceptions of women’s leadership. Findings reveal persistent patriarchal norms across the region, with significant variations influenced by urban-rural divides, generational shifts, and regional socio-political contexts. While countries like Tunisia lead in progressive gender attitudes due to advanced legal reforms, others, such as Iraq, exhibit entrenched conservative views shaped by conflict and religious conservatism. The study underscores the critical role of education and the visibility of female leadership in promoting gender equality. It also highlights the complexities of internet usage, which simultaneously supports and challenges traditional gender norms. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the socio-cultural and political dynamics influencing gender attitudes, this research contributes to the broader understanding of gender inequality in the Arab world and offers actionable policy recommendations to foster progress.

Author

• Gokhan Savas, American University of Sharjah