Understanding the Social Perceptions of Male Saudi Nationals: A Glimpse Into Gender Inequality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia is in the limelight with relation to gender equality throughout the globe. It is said that they exist a shift in the way in which KSA is attempting to alter its society. It is suggested that this is pushed on by globalization, modernization and westernization. One factor that the rest of the globe is focused on relates to the way in which Saudi women viewed treated. This has resulted in drastic changes in policies for women in Saudi Arabia due to both internal and external forces. Saudi Arabia is secretive with relation to the way it conducts its internal policies. With the large number of Saudi students who are studying abroad there is a suggestion this can aid in tackling gender equality issues within Saudi Arabia. This study looks at whether Saudi male student’s opinions have changed due to the exposure of other societies and in particular with that of the UK. It is concluded that Saudi male students are in fact altering their perceptions and that exposure to new social environments are pushing these changes in thoughts. Although small in size, the participants of the study support this notion. Ultimately, further analysis is required so as to promote reliability and validity but these results seem somewhat promising to Saudi women.