Jordanian Woman as a Leader between Individual Resources and Social Conditions: A Comparative Case Study of Jerash and Al-Karak in Jordan

Abstract

Objectives: The study purpose was to identify the personal resources and social conditions that enhance the leadership skills amongst women in Jordan. It aimed to shed light on the stereotypes, , and beliefs that underlie all aspects of gender-based discrimination in the field of study.

Methods: The study relied on the analytical induction methodology. which is implemented by “designation” that is based on asking people “the designator” whether some women “the designatee” were more influential than others in their surroundings. The methodology was applied through conducting several FGDs among various age groups, as well as individual interviews with women who were designated as transformational leaders.

Results:  The study showed that ethnic affiliation in Jerash and Al-Karak played an important role in the way in which the concepts of masculinity and femininity were socially constructed, and thereby the way in which the concept of women leadership was constructed in those two cultures. The culture  of (i.e. Al-Karak) seemed to be more tolerant and had wider space for the creation of female leaders in comparison with cultural environments of (i.e. Jerash).  The study also showed that designated female leaders were usually inheritors of a high-level symbolic capital (i.e. middle/upper social class, sophisticated education, etc…). Furthermore, the role model of most female leaders was more likely their father or other charismatic male leaders.

Conclusions: The study recommends to build solid foundations that can be followed by educational curricula,  and girls' leadership training programmes.