Ghobadian, AbbyHeim, IrinaAlsaedi, Faris2025-01-192024https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/74691Background: 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.429enSaudi womenwomen empowermentgig economyride-hailing servicesgender rolesThesis