Navigating Youth Aspirations and Experiences: The Role of Youth Programs in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The dissertation explores the aspirations and experiences of Saudi Arabian youth concerning education, employment, and civic engagement from 2014 to 2024. It examines how government-led, youth-targeted programs align with and support these aspirations using an intersectional analytical framework. This framework aims to deepen the understanding of how various social identities intersect and shape young people's experiences, informing the design of inclusive programs. Key questions include the educational, employment, and civic aspirations of youth, the role and purpose of youth programs, and their alignment with the needs and goals of Saudi youth. The discussion highlights how diverse identities, power dynamics, and contextual factors such as time and space influence youth engagement and program effectiveness. By applying an intersectional lens, the dissertation evaluates whether these programs comprehensively address structural barriers and equity, ultimately recommending more inclusive approaches to empower young people and promote social development in line with Vision 2030.