Women and Work in Egypt: a Social Historical Perspective

Abstract

In contrast to the arguments expounded by some theorists who study the position of women in the Muslim Arab world, women in Egypt have been economically active in all facets of the national economy throughout history Their labour force participation and social status have been determined by their class and according to the five phases of economic development in Egyptian history. Previous to the rule of Mohammed Ali, women of the upper socio-economic stratum had limited labour participation, while peasant women were economically active throughout the five phases. The reforms of Mohammed Ali initiated a process in which it became a new ideal for women to be educated workers, beginning with the upper strata, and is now also a source of striving for women of the lower classes.