Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Empowerment Behind the Wheel: A Qualitative Study of Saudi Women as Ride-Hailing Service Drivers in Gig Work(University of Reading, 2024) Alsaedi, Faris; Ghobadian, Abby; Heim, IrinaBackground: This qualitative study explores the unprecedented emergence of Saudi women as drivers in ride-hailing services, marking a significant societal shift in a nation long characterised by conservative gender roles. While the gig economy has been widely examined in Western contexts, its intersection with gender in regions like Saudi Arabia (SA) remains underexplored. The rise of gig work, particularly in ride-hailing services, offers a unique lens through which to examine women's empowerment in non-traditional roles within a rapidly transforming society. This study addresses the gap in understanding how Saudi women navigate the gig economy through their experiences in providing ride-hailing services and the broader implications for gender roles and mobility in the Kingdom. Aims and Objectives: The research investigates Saudi women's perspectives, attitudes, and motivations towards gig work within the male-dominated ride-hailing services, aiming to uncover how these women challenge traditional gender norms and navigate the pathways to empowerment in the public sphere. Methods: Employing a single case study approach, which involves an in-depth examination of the experiences and perspectives of female gig drivers, this research is grounded in Biosocial Construction Theory, Indigenous Institutional Theory, and sociocultural perspectives to explore the intersection of gender, culture, and economic participation. Primary data was collected through comprehensive interviews with 26 individuals, including 22 female drivers from Saudi Arabia, two government officials, and two representatives from ride-hailing companies. Document analysis was also utilised to examine policies, regulations, and media coverage of women's participation in the ride-hailing services. Findings: The study uncovers intricate narratives of agency, resistance, and negotiation, illustrating how Saudi women are actively challenging stereotypes, asserting autonomy, and redefining gender norms. While Western women often work as drivers for financial independence, Saudi women leverage these roles for self-discovery, networking, and a culturally appropriate workspace (e.g., women driving women). However, their participation remains contingent upon familial approval and is constrained by stricter societal and regulatory restrictions, such as requirements for male guardians' consent, limitations on travel distances, and rigid working hours, reflecting limited autonomy and flexibility compared to Western peers. These efforts are tempered by persistent barriers such as social stigma, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the public sphere. Contributions: This study addresses a critical gap in the literature on Saudi female drivers who participate in gig work providing ride-hailing services by: A) Theoretical Application: It significantly enriches the understanding of gender, culture, and economic participation in SA, emphasising the pivotal role of policy reforms and societal support in empowering women in gig work. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of women's agency and empowerment within the evolving socio-political landscape of SA and underscores the importance of targeted interventions to foster inclusivity and address the systemic barriers faced by Saudi women in public and professional spheres. The application of Biosocial Construction Theory in this study adds a unique and innovative dimension by capturing the interplay between inherent gendered behaviours and societal expectations, offering a framework that can be adapted for future studies in similar contexts. B) Policy Implications: It demonstrates how governmental support for gig work in SA, in contrast to many other nations, serves as a cornerstone for facilitating women's inclusion in the workforce. This finding provides a distinctive contribution to the academic discourse on gig economies globally, highlighting the potential of tailored government initiatives to drive gender inclusivity and economic empowerment. It also offers policymakers insights into developing frameworks that balance cultural norms with progressive labour strategies. C) Practical Implications: It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and gig platform operators. For policymakers, it advocates designing targeted programmes to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Saudi women in gig work, such as ensuring safety measures, equitable access to resources, and flexible working conditions. For businesses, it suggests fostering a supportive organisational culture that prioritises women’s professional growth and autonomy. Ride-hailing platforms are encouraged to enhance operational policies to include training, mentorship opportunities, and incentives to retain female drivers while addressing systemic barriers. These practical implications aim to empower Saudi women economically and socially, contributing to Vision 2030's objectives of gender equality and workforce diversification.20 0Item Restricted Empowerment Behind the Wheel: A Qualitative Study of Saudi Women as Ride-Hailing Service Drivers in Gig Work(University of Reading, 2024) Alsaedi, Faris; Ghobadian, Abby; Heim, IrinaBackground: This qualitative study explores the unprecedented emergence of Saudi women as drivers in ride-hailing services, marking a significant societal shift in a nation long characterised by conservative gender roles. While the gig economy has been widely examined in Western contexts, its intersection with gender in regions like Saudi Arabia (SA) remains underexplored. The rise of gig work, particularly in ride-hailing services, offers a unique lens through which to examine women's empowerment in non-traditional roles within a rapidly transforming society. This study addresses the gap in understanding how Saudi women navigate the gig economy through their experiences in providing ride-hailing services and the broader implications for gender roles and mobility in the Kingdom. Aims and Objectives: The research investigates Saudi women's perspectives, attitudes, and motivations towards gig work within the male-dominated ride-hailing services, aiming to uncover how these women challenge traditional gender norms and navigate the pathways to empowerment in the public sphere. Methods: Employing a single case study approach, which involves an in-depth examination of the experiences and perspectives of female gig drivers, this research is grounded in Biosocial Construction Theory, Indigenous Institutional Theory, and sociocultural perspectives to explore the intersection of gender, culture, and economic participation. Primary data was collected through comprehensive interviews with 26 individuals, including 22 female drivers from Saudi Arabia, two government officials, and two representatives from ride-hailing companies. Document analysis was also utilised to examine policies, regulations, and media coverage of women's participation in the ride-hailing services. Findings: The study uncovers intricate narratives of agency, resistance, and negotiation, illustrating how Saudi women are actively challenging stereotypes, asserting autonomy, and redefining gender norms. While Western women often work as drivers for financial independence, Saudi women leverage these roles for self-discovery, networking, and a culturally appropriate workspace (e.g., women driving women). However, their participation remains contingent upon familial approval and is constrained by stricter societal and regulatory restrictions, such as requirements for male guardians' consent, limitations on travel distances, and rigid working hours, reflecting limited autonomy and flexibility compared to Western peers. These efforts are tempered by persistent barriers such as social stigma, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the public sphere. Contributions: This study addresses a critical gap in the literature on Saudi female drivers who participate in gig work providing ride-hailing services by: A) Theoretical Application: It significantly enriches the understanding of gender, culture, and economic participation in SA, emphasising the pivotal role of policy reforms and societal support in empowering women in gig work. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of women's agency and empowerment within the evolving socio-political landscape of SA and underscores the importance of targeted interventions to foster inclusivity and address the systemic barriers faced by Saudi women in public and professional spheres. The application of Biosocial Construction Theory in this study adds a unique and innovative dimension by capturing the interplay between inherent gendered behaviours and societal expectations, offering a framework that can be adapted for future studies in similar contexts. B) Policy Implications: It demonstrates how governmental support for gig work in SA, in contrast to many other nations, serves as a cornerstone for facilitating women's inclusion in the workforce. This finding provides a distinctive contribution to the academic discourse on gig economies globally, highlighting the potential of tailored government initiatives to drive gender inclusivity and economic empowerment. It also offers policymakers insights into developing frameworks that balance cultural norms with progressive labour strategies. C) Practical Implications: It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and gig platform operators. For policymakers, it advocates designing targeted programmes to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Saudi women in gig work, such as ensuring safety measures, equitable access to resources, and flexible working conditions. For businesses, it suggests fostering a supportive organisational culture that prioritises women’s professional growth and autonomy. Ride-hailing platforms are encouraged to enhance operational policies to include training, mentorship opportunities, and incentives to retain female drivers while addressing systemic barriers. These practical implications aim to empower Saudi women economically and socially, contributing to Vision 2030's objectives of gender equality and workforce diversification.23 0Item Restricted An Analysis of the Impact of Remote Work on the Work-Life Balance of Female Employees in Saudi Arabia(Newcastle University, 2024-09) Alajeel, Osama Mohammed; Procter, StephenBackground: The worldwide transition to remote work, expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic, has profoundly impacted female employees, especially in Saudi Arabia, where socio-cultural norms and institutional factors significantly shape professional experiences. Women in Saudi Arabia encounter unique obstacles in reconciling professional and familial duties within a conservative societal context, rendering the effects of remote work on their work-life balance a significant subject of investigation. Purpose: An online survey was given to a diverse cohort of Saudi female employees from various sectors for quantitative analysis. A representative sample was obtained using stratified random sampling. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, work-life balance theory, and feminist theory were used to study remote work, gender roles, and socio-cultural dynamics. Methods: A quantitative analysis was conducted using an online survey, which was administered to a diverse sample of female employees from various sectors in Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sampling approach was employed to ensure a representative sample. The study was guided by the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, work-life balance theory, and feminist theory to explore the complex relationship between remote work, gender roles, and socio-cultural dynamics. Results: Remote work increases flexibility but reinforces gender roles, especially in conservative regions. Insufficient organisational support for balancing work and home life increased stress for many women. The research delineates critical policy and practice deficiencies that obstruct women's capacity to attain a sustainable work-life equilibrium in remote work settings. Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for culturally attuned strategies to assist female employees in remote work environments. Recommendations encompass the implementation of flexible work policies, mental health resources, and targeted organisational support, which are crucial for realising the objectives of Vision 2030 regarding gender equality and enhanced work-life balance in Saudi Arabia.19 0Item Restricted Public Instagram Accounts of Saudi Women Public Figures in a Context of Social Change(University of North Dakota, 2024-05) Albogami, Gamra; Kalbfleisch, PamelaThis research analyzed 100 Instagram posts of ten Saudi women's public figures using a qualitative methodology to explore how their cultural and gender roles and norms are portrayed and how these portrayals align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives. The findings indicate that these public figures integrate traditional cultural and gender norms with contemporary norms in their online presentations. Traditional attire and familial roles are commonly showcased, underscoring the profoundly ingrained importance of cultural values in alignment with the findings in existing literature. However, there was a noticeable shift towards contemporary portrayals of identity, particularly in professional life, reflecting the evolving roles of women in Saudi society. Also, personal and social activities in their posts showed their active engagement in public life, while expressions of solidarity and support for other women reflected a community of empowerment. The analysis demonstrates that these public figures are actively contributing to the fulfillment of the Vision 2030 objectives. Through their online presence, these women contribute to a nation's transformation narrative, embodying the vision's goals of creating a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. The study enhances the public and professional understanding of gender roles and cultural identity in the context of Saudi Arabia's rapid socio-economic changes. These insights provide perspectives that could be informative for sociocultural research experts, policymakers, media and communication professionals, and academics.21 0