The Influence of Feminist Advocacy on University Women’s Perceptions of Marriage and Career Priorities

Abstract

This paper dives into the intricate relationship between feminist advocacy, traditional patriarchal norms, and a significant socio-economic crisis, all of which shape how female university students in Lebanon view marriage and careers. It’s interesting to note that Lebanon has high rates of female tertiary education, yet it struggles with poor rankings in global gender equality. This study looks at how these educated young women deal with the conflicting social, legal, and economic pressures they face. By using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative survey data with qualitative thematic analysis, the research sheds light on the priorities and attitudes of this important group. The findings show that while feminist advocacy on university campuses promotes ideals of autonomy and gender equality, its real-world impact is significantly influenced by the economic collapse that began in 2019. This crisis has led to two distinct responses: some women are focusing on practical career paths as a way to emigrate and survive, while others are reconsidering marriage as a potential source of financial stability. The study suggests that Lebanese university women are developing a "dual-track" mindset, aiming for equal partnerships in their personal lives while being acutely aware of the patriarchal limitations imposed by sectarian personal status laws. Ultimately, the paper argues that feminism's influence isn't a straightforward journey toward empowerment; rather, it acts as a crucial lens through which this generation interprets and strategically navigates a collapsing national landscape, resulting in a complex and often contradictory set of life priorities