Exploring Cultural and Institutional Drivers of Saudi Women's Labor Force Participation

Abstract

This paper investigates the cultural and institutional factors influencing Saudi women's participation in the labor market, particularly focusing on leadership roles, within the framework of Vision 2030. The main research question addressed is how the nature of the work/care regime in Saudi Arabia affects policies and initiatives aimed at empowering women. The study employs Pocock's work/care regime framework to analyze the interplay between work and care responsibilities, alongside cultural and institutional contexts that shape women's work-life outcomes. Data was collected through exploratory cultural and institutional analyses, focusing on sociocultural norms, legal constraints, and labor market reforms. Key findings reveal that while recent reforms under Vision 2030 have increased women's workforce participation, significant barriers remain due to entrenched cultural norms and inadequate institutional support. Women face challenges such as limited career advancement opportunities, unequal pay, and a lack of respect and decision-making authority compared to their male counterparts. The study concludes that achieving genuine empowerment requires addressing these structural and sociocultural barriers. Policy recommendations include the development of advanced training programs, regulatory reforms to promote gender equality, and culturally tailored work-life balance policies to support women's dual roles in society. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia by providing insights into the effectiveness of Vision 2030 initiatives and offering strategic recommendations for enhancing female participation in the labor market.