THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL FACTORS ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION REFORM IN SAUDI ARABIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19441157Keywords:
vocational education, cultural factors, Saudi Arabia, VET reform, labor market, social norms.Abstract
The paper analyzes the impact of cultural factors on vocational education and training (VET) reform in
Saudi Arabia. It explores how social norms, values, gender roles, and perceptions of vocational professions influence
participation rates and the effectiveness of institutional changes. The study is based on a mixed-method approach,
combining qualitative and quantitative data to identify key patterns and relationships. The findings indicate that despite
significant policy efforts under Vision 2030, cultural barriers remain a major constraint to the development of VET. The
research emphasizes that successful reform requires not only structural improvements but also cultural adaptation and
public awareness. The study contributes to the understanding of how informal institutions shape education systems and
provides practical recommendations for policymakers
References
A.S. Aldossari. Vision 2030 and reducing the stigma of vocational and technical training among Saudi Arabian
students. – International Journal of Educational Development, 2020. – 12 p.
F.S. Algassem, A.A. Hassan. Challenges Facing TVET in Saudi Arabia and Road Map to Reform. – International
Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research, 2024. – 15–26 p.
A.G. Al-Heeti. Vocational and technical education in the Arab world: Key issues. – Journal of Vocational Education and
Training, 1997. – 52 p.
H.R.M. Alsaeed. Cultural and demographic factors relating to leadership in vocational education and training institutions
in Saudi Arabia. – University of Hull, 2021. – 250 p.
A.M.M. Alharbi. An Overview of Saudi Arabia’s Education System and Contextual Factors Shaping the Adoption of
E-Textbooks. – University of Exeter, 2023. – 20 p.
Stephen Billett. Vocational Education: Purposes, Traditions and Prospects. – Dordrecht: Springer, 2011. – 266 p.
S. Nazarova. Pedagogical foundations of modern vocational education development. – Middle European Scientific
Bulletin, 2020.
M. Allambergenov. Comparative studies in education systems and methodology. – Middle European Scientific Bulletin,
S. Korakhujayev. Development of national pedagogy and modernization of education in Uzbekistan. – Academic
Research Journal, 2025.
Felix Rauner. Handbook of Vocational Education and Training. – Singapore: Springer, 2017. – 1200 p.
David Guile, Lorna Unwin (eds.). The Wiley Handbook of Vocational Education and Training. – Hoboken: Wiley
Blackwell, 2019. – 600 p.
Ronald G. Sultana. Vocational Education and Training and the Labour Market. – Rotterdam: Sense Publishers, 2012.
– 210 p.
Karen Elliott House. On Saudi Arabia: Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines—and Future. – New York: Knopf, 2012.
– 308 p.
Ahmed et al. Organizational Culture and Technical and Vocational Education Performance. – International Journal of
Education Studies, 2021. – 15 p.
Education and Policy Borrowing in the Arabian Gulf. – Journal of Education Policy, 2025. – 18 p.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 MUHANDISLIK VA IQTISODIYOT
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.