Changing the Narrative: A Narrative Inquiry into Women’s Higher Education in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study explores the changing perception of women’s higher education in Saudi Arabia through a qualitative, narrative inquiry approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two distinct groups of participants, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis, grounded in interpretivism and relativism. The findings revealed key themes within a theoretical framework that combines Modernisation Theory, Human Capital Theory and an emergent focus on Gender and Development. These insights provide a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing societal attitudes towards women’s higher education, highlighting significant progress and addressing the persisting challenges. The study contributes to the broader discourse on gender and education in the context of societal development in Saudi Arabia.