Home Institution
Bowdoin College
Publication Date
Spring 2024
Abstract
This case study examines the societal impact of Jordan's gender-discriminatory nationality law on the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of young women. Utilizing quantitative interviews with six Jordanian women, aged 21-37, the research explores their perspectives on the law's implications and justifications. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, the 1954 Jordanian Nationality Law disproportionately favors men in citizenship transmission, violating international human rights principles ratified by Jordan. This results in Jordanian women who marry non-national men not being able to transmit their nationality to their children in most cases. Without Jordanian nationality, these children suffer many challenges such as limited employment and educational opportunities. It is hypothesized that participants will consider the nationality law as unfair, have a collective desire for equal nationality rights, not have a consensus of opinions on the justifications behind the law, and discuss the impact of the law on their approach to marriage. Findings reveal a consensus among participants that the law is unfair since it hinders women's equality and a collective desire for equal nationality rights Also, showcases varying opinions of the justification of the law, and opinions on influence on their approach to marriage and family planning. The study utilized convenience sampling, conducting interviews in English, potentially limiting diverse perspectives. Despite limitations, it sheds light on Jordanian women's experiences with discriminatory laws, contributing to broader discussions on gender equality and human rights. Further research should employ inclusive methodologies and comparative analysis to address the multifaceted implications of such legislation. Ultimately, this study advocates for policy reform to uphold women's rights and foster inclusive societies.
Disciplines
Family Law | Family, Life Course, and Society | Law and Gender | Near and Middle Eastern Studies | Women's Studies
Recommended Citation
Mohamed, Umulkair, "Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Young Jordanian Women on their Second-Class Citizenship" (2024). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 3792.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/3792
Included in
Family Law Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Law and Gender Commons, Near and Middle Eastern Studies Commons, Women's Studies Commons
Program Name
Jordan: Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action