The Contribution of Working Women to Household Income and Its Relation to Decision-Making Participation

دراسة ميدانية على عينة من النساء العاملات

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the factors influencing Libyan women's ability to participate in household decisions. The study focused on five key variables: educational level, family structure, income level, cultural background, and social relationships. Conducted in Misrata using a field-based social survey methodology, the study utilized a stratified random sample of 75 female secondary school students. The results revealed that higher educational attainment, occupational status, and economic return significantly enhanced women's influence in family decision-making. A strong positive correlation was found between women’s financial contribution and their role in household decisions. Economic changes were also shown to positively affect women’s decision-making capacity. The study concludes with recommendations, most notably the need to transform prevailing cultural and intellectual perceptions regarding gender roles in society.