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Educational gender inequality in the Muslim world: A problem of a cultural heritage, religion, or modernization?

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  • Sumaia A. Al‐Kohlani

Abstract

Objective The difference between the Muslim and non‐Muslim world in terms of educational gender equality has been blamed on the Islamic faith, and sometimes on a lack of modernization. Thus, I examine how Islam reduces educational gender equality and how/if its influence varies from one Muslim country to another. Method I use Time‐series–cross‐section (TSCS) analysis for 29 Muslim countries between 1980 and 2010 to examine the influence of Arab culture on educational gender parity. Result The result indicates that the religious culture of Arab states seems to be highly associated with the educational gender gap. Also, the positive effect of modernization is more significant in Non‐Arab Muslim countries than in Arab Muslim countries. Conclusion These findings are informative to educational policymakers since they explain why the international and local efforts on improving educational gender equality have not been as successful in the Muslim world as is the case in other societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Sumaia A. Al‐Kohlani, 2021. "Educational gender inequality in the Muslim world: A problem of a cultural heritage, religion, or modernization?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(4), pages 1920-1930, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:102:y:2021:i:4:p:1920-1930
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13046
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    References listed on IDEAS

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