HOW DO SINGLE ARAB MOTHERS IN EAST JERUSALEM PERCEIVE AND EXPERIENCE THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BARRIERS THAT AFFECT THEIR EMPOWERMENT AND SUCCESS IN MANAGERIAL AND LEADERSHIP POSITIONS?
ДОИ:
https://doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v12i4.2269Клучни зборови:
Arab single mothers, women's empowerment, social and cultural barriers, institutional barriers, women’s leadership, administrative leadership, East Jerusalem, glass ceilingАпстракт
This study explored how social, cultural, and institutional barriers influence the empowerment and leadership success of Arab single mothers in East Jerusalem. It addresses a significant gap in the existing literature, as previous research has primarily focused on the barriers that limit women's access to leadership positions, while comparatively little attention has been given to how these barriers shape the long-term success and sustainability of Arab single mothers in leadership roles within complex socio-political contexts. A qualitative research design was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of the participants' lived experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 20 Arab single mothers who currently hold or have previously held administrative or leadership positions in East Jerusalem. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach. The analysis identified six overarching themes: the transition to single motherhood as the primary breadwinner, social and cultural barriers, institutional and organizational barriers, empowerment and coping strategies, success in administrative and leadership positions, and the redefinition of success and leadership. The findings revealed that social and cultural barriers constituted the most significant challenges influencing participants' professional trajectories. Nevertheless, strategies such as continuous professional development, effective time management, strong support networks, and economic independence emerged as critical factors in enhancing participants' empowerment and sustaining their professional and leadership success. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by demonstrating that the leadership success of Arab single mothers is shaped not only by professional competence but also by the dynamic interaction between caregiving responsibilities, social and cultural barriers, and the institutional environment. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of adopting more flexible organizational policies and developing comprehensive professional and social support programs that address the unique circumstances of single mothers, thereby promoting their empowerment and ensuring the sustainability of their leadership roles.Референци
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