The Reality of Female University Students’ Participation in Political Life and the Obstacles from Their Perceptions

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the reality of the participation of university students in political life, which is due to their academic qualifications, the type of college, the place of residence, and the obstacles to that from their perception. To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was prepared to measure the reality of female students’ participation in political life, reveal the obstacles of political participation, and ensure their sincerity and stability, as it was applied to a sample of 288 Bachelor’s and Master’s level students at Isra University in Jordan. The study findings revealed that, first, the actual level of female university students’ participation in political life was average. Second, there were statistically significant differences between the bachelor’s and master’s female students regarding their participation in political life, and the differences were in favor of bachelor’s female students. Third, there were statistically significant differences between female students from scientific colleges and humanitarian colleges regarding their participation in political life, and the differences were in favor of humanitarian students. Finally, the place of residence did not indicate any statistically significant differences regarding the reality of female university students’ participation in political life. The study also highlighted the barriers that prevent female university students from participating in political life, such as the media, society and culture, economy, politics, and law.