Women and Work in Dubai City: Institutional Barriers and Potentials

Abstract

Using data from a survey of 1,500 households in Dubai City, this chapter explores the impacts of social, cultural, and religious factors on female labor force participation (FLFP) and finds that marriage and conservative cultural norms constitute the primary cause of economic inactivity among women. Secondary and tertiary education show positive impacts on FLFP. The impact of children is not always significant. Being expatriate has a positive impact on FLFP. Marriage has a significant negative impact on female participation. The findings suggest that changing perceptions and actions coexist with many old cultural and social norms, but also that the growing tendency is to accept the public presence and labor market participation of women. The women survey respondents expressed more conservative views than men, and expressed more support than men for cultural norms that allow for male control and limit women's freedom to move and choose employment. The younger generation (aged 15–24) expressed more conservative views than older people, despite being better educated than previous generations.