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Article
Publication date: 8 August 2008

Mary Tyler E. Holmes

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing the higher education system in Egypt particularly in the area of education quality. It builds upon several existing…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing the higher education system in Egypt particularly in the area of education quality. It builds upon several existing studies conducted in Egypt to make the case for improving education outcomes while analyzing the social, political, and economic ramifications of the current higher education system.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were drawn from existing studies conducted in Egypt by experts in the education field.

Findings

Results suggest that the higher education admissions process should become more competitive thereby limiting the number of enrollments. More resources should be devoted towards higher education with a particular emphasis on workforce development and Egypt should seek the help of donor agencies and experts to advise and reform the system.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were based on existing literature and were not conducted in Egypt which somewhat limited qualitative analysis.

Originality/value

A contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that the lack of quality in the higher education system fails to prepare graduates to the workforce and impacts on the social stability of Egypt. By questioning aspects of the current higher education system and calling for more freedom of research and expression, the research raises interesting questions about the impact of closed societies on education systems.

Details

Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-7983

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2009

Talat Afza and Muhammad Amir Rashid

The purpose of this exploratory paper is to explore and categorize the impediments which surround the remote women entrepreneurs and limit their growth opportunities to be…

1533

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory paper is to explore and categorize the impediments which surround the remote women entrepreneurs and limit their growth opportunities to be successful entrepreneurs in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the primary data collected through interviews and focus group discussions with the remote women entrepreneurs from selected cities across four provinces of Pakistan.

Findings

Social and gender discrimination, lack of access and control over resources, limited educational opportunities, weaker family support, absence of self‐actualization, and little entrepreneurial orientation are few impediments classified as barriers to the growth of remote women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.

Research limitations/implications

Research findings will help the future researchers understand the characteristics of remote women entrepreneurs residing in Pakistan, moreover, the findings of this paper also provide a panoramic view about the social and working conditions prevailing in Pakistan for women entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will provide the baseline information to the government and strategists to develop a policy framework to boost the entrepreneurial culture for women in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This paper intends to identify the hazards, which restrain growth opportunities for women dwelling in remote parts of Pakistan. It may be termed as an exploratory survey for the future researchers to further probe the issue of women entrepreneurship in Pakistan and evolve a suitable model for development of marginalized women entrepreneurs to grow into mature entrepreneurs.

Details

Journal of Chinese Entrepreneurship, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1396

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Shree Priya Singh, Pushpendra Singh and Jadi Bala Komaraiah

The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, the study has investigated the changing scenario of gender bias in households' education expenditure and the socioeconomic factors…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, the study has investigated the changing scenario of gender bias in households' education expenditure and the socioeconomic factors responsible for it. Secondly, the study has estimated the inequality in education expenditure for the male and female students and determined the significance of socioeconomic variables in gender discrimination.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the above-mentioned issues, this paper has used the unit-level data of NSSO 52nd, 64th, 71st and 75th rounds from 1995–1996 to 2017–2018. The log linear regression model is applied to estimate factor impending average education expenditure dynamics. The Oaxaca–Blinder Decomposition method has been employed to measure gender discrimination, and the Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient are used to assess inequality among girls experiencing prejudice.

Findings

The study has discovered an gender bias in education expenditure against females during the study period in India. Further, it has been found that gender discrimination against girl students is decreasing. Moreover, the factors such as age, religion, castes, MPCE (income quantile), type of institution, present enrolment and type of education are responsible for this gender differences.

Originality/value

This paper uses 20 years of household-level data for study and suggests that discriminatory behaviour of households and credit constraints of the underdeveloped countries prevent investment in girl's education. Therefore, the state must pay for education of girls by offering scholarships and free or heavily subsidized education. In addition to this, awareness programs for gender equality should also be implemented by the government, especially in rural areas.

Peer review

The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2022-0537.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 50 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2021

Richard Kofi Asravor

The increasing rate at which individuals, especially, females in Ghana are seeking higher education calls for an estimation of the returns to schooling and education in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

The increasing rate at which individuals, especially, females in Ghana are seeking higher education calls for an estimation of the returns to schooling and education in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the Mincer equation to a representative cross-sectional micro-data from Ghana using OLS and instrumental variable (IV) methodologies. The paper uses spouse's education as instruments in the IV estimation.

Findings

Return to schooling was found to be higher for females than males, likewise, membership of an old student associations and location of the household. Returns to education increases as the level of education rises whilst the rate of returns initially increases but fall as labour market experience rises. The study also found that the rates of return to education were higher for Christian, followed by Muslim and believers of other lesser-known religion in Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

Return to schooling was found to be higher for females than males. Likewise, individuals who are members of an old student association and are in urban areas were found to have a higher return to schooling than individuals who are not members of an old student association and are in rural areas. Returns to education increases as the level of education rises whilst the rate of returns initially increases but fall as labour market experience rises. The study also found that the rates of return to education were higher for Christian, followed by Muslim and believers of other lesser-known religion in Ghana.

Practical implications

Wage determination process is different for males and females, across religion and residency. The higher returns to schooling for females imply education is a good investment for women and girls and should be a development priority.

Social implications

The higher returns to schooling for females imply an investment in girl's education should be a development priority.

Originality/value

The paper extends the existing literature by focussing on the role of religion, old student's association (alma mater) and gender on the differential earning returns to schooling.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 48 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1968

H. Spence

When the one year ‘off‐the‐job’ integrated course for first‐year engineering apprentices was established, it was hoped that every effort would be made to see that wherever it was…

Abstract

When the one year ‘off‐the‐job’ integrated course for first‐year engineering apprentices was established, it was hoped that every effort would be made to see that wherever it was held, and however it was organized, arrangements would be made to ensure that the industrial training and further education elements would progress hand in hand throughout the period of the course. In other words ‘training’ and ‘education’ taken together, and suitably inter‐linked, were to form an essential part of a boy's — or girl's — continuing education on leaving school, carried out in accordance with sound educational principles. At the same time, the whole would be an appropriate introduction to the world of work. He would not be asked to practise a basic skill, or to use a machine tool, unless he was also concurrent with it, learning about and beginning to understand the theoretical aspects of these matters. This is, we now realize, an ideal state to which all concerned with the courses should strive but it is unfortunately, one which, for various reasons, is extremely difficult to reach. The main reasons why full integration cannot be achieved at present can be summarized as follows.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2010

Toseef Azid and Rana Ejaz Ali Khan

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the demand side determinants of schooling of Pakistani urban children and the factors affecting boys and girls' schooling separately.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the demand side determinants of schooling of Pakistani urban children and the factors affecting boys and girls' schooling separately.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study using the non‐linear maximum likelihood probability (probit) function on primary data.

Findings

Besides other variables it has been observed that the poverty remains an important determinant of school participation. Poor households keep their children out of school due to their inability to afford the cost of schooling.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of this study a socio‐economic policy can be formulated for a developing country like Pakistan.

Practical implications

A development policy can be formulated on the basis of this research for the enhancement of human resource development for a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan.

Originality/value

The paper is beneficial to the researchers, policy makers, and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare through its findings.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 37 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2010

Lantana M. Usman

The purpose of this paper is to provide a qualitative explanation, understanding, and policy suggestions on the socio‐economic causes, effects, and challenges facing nomadic rural…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a qualitative explanation, understanding, and policy suggestions on the socio‐economic causes, effects, and challenges facing nomadic rural girls' street hawking in cities of Northern Nigeria. The aim is to present the paper as a source of literature that will serve as a future document in formulating inclusive policies for the girls as explained in the section on educational policy options.

Design/methodology/approach

Research orientation and design involved qualitative phenomenology that explored girls' street hawking experiences. Study sites included three major Nigerian cities and three villages of the girls. Purposeful sampling was used to select 20 girls between ages eight and 15 and female parents as primary participants, while two traditional and religious leaders from each of the villages, and one administrator of the local state nomadic education commission served as secondary participants. Snowball samples of three male parents of the girls in each village were used as part of data validity. Data collection technique involved unstructured focus group interviews, participant observations, and video recording of the girls at home, at markets, and at streets in the cities. Ethical issues were addressed by obtaining oral and written consent of participants orally and in writing using the native language for clarity and understanding of their role. Data analysis of interview involved transcription and the repeated reading of the transcripts that identified major themes. Observational data were converted to field notes and analyzed for patterns of ideas that support major themes of the analyzed interview data for validity. Triangulation process of checking validity was used with sample of snowball participants as state educational administrators of nomadic education, religious leaders, amongst others.

Findings

Major findings are presented as themes on major economic causes of the girls' street hawking of dairy products as a part of family gender division of labor, poverty level of most families, preparing girls for self‐reliance and economic independence, and to augment family income. Social causes include Islamic religious pressure of teaching youth self‐reliance in preparation for early marriage, to finance wedding expenses, to acquire material possessions as child brides, for family honor, to accrue income to maintain their bodily aesthetic needs, group street hawking as a means to girls socialization, and exposing girls to suitors as future husbands, amongst others. Challenges facing the girls include lack of safety, exposure to forms of abuse, and being left behind in basic literacy, amongst others.

Originality/value

This paper is of significant value due to its novelty. It will serve as primary literature on minority West African pastoral girls' impact on rural‐urban migration, their challenges, and their position in the current world social policy of the Department for International Development and UNICEF Girls Education Project.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 37 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 October 2020

Hirak Dasgupta and Sanjay Krishnapratap Pawar

The purpose of this study is to test a model on pro-sustainability orientation (PSO) among the students and comparison of the levels of PSO among the first-year and the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test a model on pro-sustainability orientation (PSO) among the students and comparison of the levels of PSO among the first-year and the second-year MBA/PGDM students studying in Indian higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study comprised of quantitative analysis of PSO through a questionnaire that was distributed among MBA/PGDM students of four prominent higher education institutions in the state of Maharashtra. A total of 425 students responded to the survey. The items of this instrument included actions such as reuse, recycling, energy, conservation and so on. Likert scale was used to measure the dimensions and structural equation modelling was applied to test the PSO model.

Findings

The study revealed significant difference in the PSO among male and female students with respect to equity dimension and significant differences among the first- and second-year MBA students with respect to pro-environmental deliberations. A significant difference was found among the four institutions with respect to the pro-environmental deliberations, altruistic behaviour and affinity towards diversity. The study showed positive influence of PSO over SB. The study revealed that the students enrolled in MBA/PGDM showed positive attitude towards SD and the environment.

Practical implications

There has been a dearth of studies conducted on PSO of students enrolled in Indian higher education. This study is an attempt to show the impact of the Indian higher education on the pro-sustainable lifestyles among the students of MBA/PGDM that can provide valuable insights for the millennials of the emerging economies.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to depict the role played by the Indian higher education institutions in the development of PSO among the students of MBA/PGDM. In order to promote sustainable development within one’s society, one needs to educate future leaders about the importance of sustainability.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Aysit Tansel and Nil Demet Güngör

Turkey’s first “brain drain” wave began in the 1960s, with doctors and engineers among the first group of emigrants. In recent years, attention has shifted to young university…

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Abstract

Turkey’s first “brain drain” wave began in the 1960s, with doctors and engineers among the first group of emigrants. In recent years, attention has shifted to young university graduates who are seriously contemplating starting their careers abroad as a result of the current economic crisis. Postgraduate studies overseas provide the first step for many in fulfilling this goal. This paper provides an evaluation of the findings of a survey conducted during the first half of 2002 on the return intentions of Turkish students studying abroad. Various factors have been cited as important for student non‐return, including political instability, lower salaries and lack of employment opportunities in the home country when studies are completed, as well as a preference to live abroad. In addition to these factors, several other features of Turkey’s political economy are considered to be important in explaining the Turkish brain drain.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 8 January 2021

Gladys Merma-Molina, María Alejandra Ávalos-Ramos and María Ángeles Martínez Ruiz

The aims of this study are to identify and analyse prevalent gender roles and the persistence of sexist stereotypes among teachers in training in Spain, to determine the reasons…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aims of this study are to identify and analyse prevalent gender roles and the persistence of sexist stereotypes among teachers in training in Spain, to determine the reasons for them and suggest solutions for eradicating sexist prejudices.

Design/methodology/approach

A gender role questionnaire was administered to 1260 workers from 54 different professions who were enrolled on a postgraduate training course to qualify as secondary education teachers. The instrument contained six variables for both quantitative and qualitative analysis: professional work, family (looking after children), feelings and emotions, household chores, body image and free time.

Findings

Household chores, looking after children and gender roles linked to body image were those most indicated by both men and women. It is concluded that men participate little in bringing up children and household chores and that women continue to shoulder the responsibility. Both are concerned about their body image, but women have little self-acceptance of and satisfaction with their bodies and a stronger sense of being judged by how they look. Gender stereotypes persist, despite extensive legislation in Spain since 2004.

Research limitations/implications

The study has limitations deriving from its choice of convenience sampling. Although it includes participants from six Spanish autonomous communities, the number from each region is not very high. Nevertheless, the sample is representative of almost all branches of knowledge (54 professions). Another limitation concerns the images used in the research instrument as a data collection strategy insofar, as they could not be obtained from a data bank specific to the research subject but instead had to be found in databases of general images. It can be inferred that a data collection strategy without any danger of bias would be to encourage each participant to design their own images, reflecting their perceptions and auto-perceptions of gender roles and stereotypes. The fact that there were no pre-existing studies using this type of research instrument in education sciences was a handicap for the investigation. Despite these methodological limitations, the results of the study may serve as a basis for implementing specific future actions originating from any area – but especially from the area of education – aimed at teaching people about equal roles in order to eliminate sexist sterotypes. This research was carried out as part of the Proyecto Diseño y Atención a las Oportunidades de Género en la Educación Superior (Project on Design and Gender Equality of Opportunities in Higher Education) funded by the Vicerrectorado de Cooperación al Desarrollo (Office for University Cooperation for Development) at the University of Alicante (Spain).

Practical implications

Spanish legislation has not been able to promote significant changes in the performance of traditional gender roles or to eliminate sexist stereotypes that perpetuate imbalances between men and women. The ideal and prevalent model of a Spanish woman is still that of a “self-sacrificing mother”, responsible for the household chores and childcare. She must combine this first job with a second profession, and, in addition, she must have a “desirable physical image”. The study puts forward various possible solutions for reducing and/or eradicating sexist attitudes with the participation of different social agents and in particular through education. The investigation could be of use when carrying out specific cross-sectional interventions on the subject of gender equality with students on postgraduate teacher training courses, for the purposes of encouraging the elimination of stereotypes and strengthening the capacity for critical judgement, positive self-concept and self-esteem.

Originality/value

The study may be useful for carrying out specific and transversal university training interventions in postgraduate teacher training on gender equality aimed at promoting the elimination of stereotypes, the strengthening of critical judgement capacity, positive self-concept and self-esteem.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 41 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

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