صفحة 1
Acknowledgement
The Researcher is deebly gratitude to prof.R.M.• Varma and Dr.K.K.mukhopad-hyaya, Head Dept, of Social work, university of Delhi, for their invaluable guidance, he also wished to place a record his grateful thanks to the office and field level staff of the national Assistance fund and the ministry of social Development, Government of Jordan, for extending their full cooperation in providing the Rsearcher whatever data needed. Last, though not the least, the researcher wishes to. deeply thank all the respondents who provided the data for this study.
Dr . SALEH KHALIL AL-SQOUR
AMMAN- JORDAN
2010
It is worth mentioning that, entire work presented in this study related to the thesis entitled" client's satisfaction with services provided by voluntary and Government organizions " Submitted to the university of Delhi in republic of india for the degre of doctor of Philosophy in Social work by the Researeher under the supervlson of professor .K.K.MUK HOPAD HYAYA and professor .R.M.VARMA and approved in JANUARY, 2003.
In fact Jordan is no exception to the global processes of techno¬socio-economic changes that have been affecting the contemporary society . In this regard, one of the most important causes of concern is the erosion of the traditional forms of social security on the one hand and the resultant increase in the number of people requiring assistance. Evidently , in pursuit of the objectives of a welfare state, the government attempts to resolve the problem by instituting social security measures in the form of social insurance and social assistance. However , these measures , apart from providing , at best, a partial answer, subject the state to an ever-increasing financial burden . Much also depends upon the ethos pursued by a government , l.e, whether the government pursues a policy of serving its citizens by working "for" them or "with" them. Apparently, the beginning of welfare services in jordan have
The Researcher is deebly gratitude to prof.R.M.• Varma and Dr.K.K.mukhopad-hyaya, Head Dept, of Social work, university of Delhi, for their invaluable guidance, he also wished to place a record his grateful thanks to the office and field level staff of the national Assistance fund and the ministry of social Development, Government of Jordan, for extending their full cooperation in providing the Rsearcher whatever data needed. Last, though not the least, the researcher wishes to. deeply thank all the respondents who provided the data for this study.
Dr . SALEH KHALIL AL-SQOUR
AMMAN- JORDAN
2010
It is worth mentioning that, entire work presented in this study related to the thesis entitled" client's satisfaction with services provided by voluntary and Government organizions " Submitted to the university of Delhi in republic of india for the degre of doctor of Philosophy in Social work by the Researeher under the supervlson of professor .K.K.MUK HOPAD HYAYA and professor .R.M.VARMA and approved in JANUARY, 2003.
In fact Jordan is no exception to the global processes of techno¬socio-economic changes that have been affecting the contemporary society . In this regard, one of the most important causes of concern is the erosion of the traditional forms of social security on the one hand and the resultant increase in the number of people requiring assistance. Evidently , in pursuit of the objectives of a welfare state, the government attempts to resolve the problem by instituting social security measures in the form of social insurance and social assistance. However , these measures , apart from providing , at best, a partial answer, subject the state to an ever-increasing financial burden . Much also depends upon the ethos pursued by a government , l.e, whether the government pursues a policy of serving its citizens by working "for" them or "with" them. Apparently, the beginning of welfare services in jordan have
صفحة 2
been characterized by a spirit of welfarism , dominated by the "working for the people" approach through subsidies and social assistance. The emergece of an approach emphasizing self¬dependence may be said to be a development that came about much later. Consequently, jordan today finds it in a position where the number of assistance seekers continues to grow unabated, making it more and more difficult for the government to meet their needs effectively.
Ironically , as far as social assistance is concerned , even positive factors like improved health measures , reduced child and maternal mortality and increased life expectancy seem to aggravate the problems by increasing the numbers of assistance seekers. Admittedly , a large number of overt and covert factors affect the situation - factors that directly concern social scientists , professional social workers , planners and administrators as well as the NGOs . While all these groups devote their energies in finding ways to reshape human destiny in positive directions , it is equally important that all possible ways and means are found to at least ensure that the existing welfare services are provided at the least possible cost and with maximum effectiveness . This is vital since it is only by developing an effective service delivery system that the state can hope to make the needy feel that something worthwhile is being done for their welfare.
As senior executive in the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) , the researcher has felt deeply concerned about some of the issues that affect the working of the existing schemas of social assistance . These issues are :1) Ongoing increase in the number of assistance seekers ; 2) Inadequacy of the budgetary allocations on social assistance ;3) Increasing difficulties .faced in finding resources to provide social assistance ;4) The quantum of assistance being found inadequate despite periodic increases; and 5) Greater involvement of the community in the programme as passive assistance seekers in place of trying to be self-dependent ;6) No efforts made so far to study the operation of the schemes of assistance and its ramifications for the consumers and providers of the services , to name a few . The researcher also felt concerned because his' ongoing interaction with the beneficiaries and the implementers of social assistance convinced him that efforts were needed to study the issue to know the pros and cons of running a scheme that has been increasingly becoming larger and straining the nation's resources.
With this broad objective in mind, the researcher decided to study the social assistance component - component that had not been studied so far. Specifically, his attempts have been
oriented to find out whether the views of the beneficiaries about the assistance they receive . Evidently, the government can always pat its back because of the huge investment it makes on welfare by providing social assistance. However, it is equally important to know how the receivers of these services perceive them.
The researcher also know that the NGOs were assisting the people since a long time. In fact, they played a pioneering role in helping the needy. However, he was also aware that, as far as social assistance is concerned. the role played by the NGOs was , at best , marginal and occasional . It also suffered from overlapping , duplication , lack of resources and , worst of all , too much of official constraints , despite a lot of rhetoric being offered by the government to praise the NGOs' efforts and the need to support them.
The study has been divided into the following chapters:
1. Chapter 1 Introduction and Methodology
This chapter provides an overview of jordan, indicating its brief history along with a description of its area and population along with sectors like health , education . labour force and social security. Part II of this chapter highlights the methodology used in conducting the study along with the review of literature.
2. Chapter 2 Governmental Agencies Involved in Providing Social Welfare Services in jordan with Special Reference to the Role Played by the National Assistance Fund The highlights of the major governmental players in the field of social welfare, with special reference to the provision of social assistance by the National Assistance fund , have been described in this chapter. It also provides a description of various forms of charitable acts prescribed under Islam.
3. Chapter 3 . The Role Played by NGOs in Providing Social Asststance and other Social and Welfare Services
This chapter analyses the role played by the national and governorate (local) level NGOs in the area of social welfare. It also described the extremely limited role played by the NGOs in offering social assistance and the main factors/barriers because of which the NGOs have kept away from providing social assistance.
4. Chapter 4 Socio Economic Background of the Respondents The description covers the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the clients (beneficiaries) of the Schemes of Social Assistance in the region under study.
Ironically , as far as social assistance is concerned , even positive factors like improved health measures , reduced child and maternal mortality and increased life expectancy seem to aggravate the problems by increasing the numbers of assistance seekers. Admittedly , a large number of overt and covert factors affect the situation - factors that directly concern social scientists , professional social workers , planners and administrators as well as the NGOs . While all these groups devote their energies in finding ways to reshape human destiny in positive directions , it is equally important that all possible ways and means are found to at least ensure that the existing welfare services are provided at the least possible cost and with maximum effectiveness . This is vital since it is only by developing an effective service delivery system that the state can hope to make the needy feel that something worthwhile is being done for their welfare.
As senior executive in the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) , the researcher has felt deeply concerned about some of the issues that affect the working of the existing schemas of social assistance . These issues are :1) Ongoing increase in the number of assistance seekers ; 2) Inadequacy of the budgetary allocations on social assistance ;3) Increasing difficulties .faced in finding resources to provide social assistance ;4) The quantum of assistance being found inadequate despite periodic increases; and 5) Greater involvement of the community in the programme as passive assistance seekers in place of trying to be self-dependent ;6) No efforts made so far to study the operation of the schemes of assistance and its ramifications for the consumers and providers of the services , to name a few . The researcher also felt concerned because his' ongoing interaction with the beneficiaries and the implementers of social assistance convinced him that efforts were needed to study the issue to know the pros and cons of running a scheme that has been increasingly becoming larger and straining the nation's resources.
With this broad objective in mind, the researcher decided to study the social assistance component - component that had not been studied so far. Specifically, his attempts have been
oriented to find out whether the views of the beneficiaries about the assistance they receive . Evidently, the government can always pat its back because of the huge investment it makes on welfare by providing social assistance. However, it is equally important to know how the receivers of these services perceive them.
The researcher also know that the NGOs were assisting the people since a long time. In fact, they played a pioneering role in helping the needy. However, he was also aware that, as far as social assistance is concerned. the role played by the NGOs was , at best , marginal and occasional . It also suffered from overlapping , duplication , lack of resources and , worst of all , too much of official constraints , despite a lot of rhetoric being offered by the government to praise the NGOs' efforts and the need to support them.
The study has been divided into the following chapters:
1. Chapter 1 Introduction and Methodology
This chapter provides an overview of jordan, indicating its brief history along with a description of its area and population along with sectors like health , education . labour force and social security. Part II of this chapter highlights the methodology used in conducting the study along with the review of literature.
2. Chapter 2 Governmental Agencies Involved in Providing Social Welfare Services in jordan with Special Reference to the Role Played by the National Assistance Fund The highlights of the major governmental players in the field of social welfare, with special reference to the provision of social assistance by the National Assistance fund , have been described in this chapter. It also provides a description of various forms of charitable acts prescribed under Islam.
3. Chapter 3 . The Role Played by NGOs in Providing Social Asststance and other Social and Welfare Services
This chapter analyses the role played by the national and governorate (local) level NGOs in the area of social welfare. It also described the extremely limited role played by the NGOs in offering social assistance and the main factors/barriers because of which the NGOs have kept away from providing social assistance.
4. Chapter 4 Socio Economic Background of the Respondents The description covers the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the clients (beneficiaries) of the Schemes of Social Assistance in the region under study.
صفحة 3
5. Chapter 5 Utilization of Assistance
This chapter describes the attempt to know the costs involved in procuring the services under the Social Assistance Schemes by the clients and the effect that their background has played (or is likely to play) in this regard.
6. Chapter 6 Social Assistance Schemes as Perceived by the Beneficiaries
This chapter narrates how the clients perceive various operational aspects of both the Schemes of Social Assistence and the likely effect of their background in getting the benefits
from the Schemes.
7. Chapter 7 Monthly Financial Assistance (MFA) and Vocational Rehabilition Schemes as perceived by the NAF Staff
The description in this chapter dwells on how the officials concerned with the implemention of the Schemes view the positive and negative aspects in each of the schemes and their suggestion about improving their functioning.
8. Chapter 8 Summary and Suggestions
The last chapter provides a summary of the study along with various suggestions to improve the functioning of the schemes of social assistance.
The last chapter' is followed by an appendix containing the tables and instruments used for data collection followed by the Bibliography.
Dr . SALEH KHALIL AL-SQOUR
AMMAN- JORDAN
2010
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the attempt to know the costs involved in procuring the services under the Social Assistance Schemes by the clients and the effect that their background has played (or is likely to play) in this regard.
6. Chapter 6 Social Assistance Schemes as Perceived by the Beneficiaries
This chapter narrates how the clients perceive various operational aspects of both the Schemes of Social Assistence and the likely effect of their background in getting the benefits
from the Schemes.
7. Chapter 7 Monthly Financial Assistance (MFA) and Vocational Rehabilition Schemes as perceived by the NAF Staff
The description in this chapter dwells on how the officials concerned with the implemention of the Schemes view the positive and negative aspects in each of the schemes and their suggestion about improving their functioning.
8. Chapter 8 Summary and Suggestions
The last chapter provides a summary of the study along with various suggestions to improve the functioning of the schemes of social assistance.
The last chapter' is followed by an appendix containing the tables and instruments used for data collection followed by the Bibliography.
Dr . SALEH KHALIL AL-SQOUR
AMMAN- JORDAN
2010
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
صفحة 4
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan– Yesterday and Toda
Jordan Yesterday
The region is ancient, having been known to have human habitation for over 3000 years. A number of human settlements and civilizations flourished in the area, each one leaving its mark in the form of invaluable artifacts found aplenty.
The more prominent ones of these civilizations comprised the early Arab civilizations, namely, Adomeaon, Moabeon Amoreon and Amoein since the 18th century BC. These were followed by the early Nabeaten between the fourth Century BC until the first Century AD. The Nabeaten civilization of Ampait was considered to be quite progressive in terms of pursuing agriculture and having well developed irrigation systems. The people of this civilization were also adept in trade and construction. Appreciated worldwide for its architectural beauty, the Rose Red City of Petra in South Jordan was the capital of this civilization.
After the decline of the Nabeaten civilization, the Romans invaded the area and exploited its natural resources to their advantage. The major landmarks left behind by the Romans comprise the entire Roman city of Jerash and the magnificent Roman theaters in Amman. In 636 AD, the area was run over by the followers of Islam who established a number of cities according to the Islamic style of architecture. They were followed by Christians in the 12th century AD.
In the 16th century AD, the area came under Turkish Muslim rule (known as the Al Khilafa Uthmanein). Over time, the Turkish rulers started exploiting not only the natural resources but also distorting the Arab culture with impunity. The process of tampering with the local ethos and continuing exploitation created unrest among the people who found the Turkish rule to be becoming increasingly more offensive. As a result, the Sharief Mecca gave a call for a major Arab revolution in 1916. (Nusairat: 96: 35)
Modern Jordan may be said to emerge under the rule of King Abdullah, who became the ruler, following the call for the Arab revolution by the Sharief of Mecca. This struggle brought to an end the Turkish rule and resulted in the establishment of an Emirate of East Jordan in 1921 (though still under the overall political jurisdiction of the area as a British Colony).
Jordan gained independence from the British in 1946. In 1948, Israel occupied a large part of Palestine. Subsequently, the Palestinians came together in Conferences held at Areha and Nabless in 1948 and decided to merge the area on the West bank of the Jordan river with the area on the East Bank. In 1950, they approached King Abdullah, professing their allegiance to him and requesting him to be the ruler for both the areas. The King acceded to their request and called for general elections in 1950. In the same year, the newly elected Parliament of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan gave formal approval to the merger. (Ibid.)
In 1967, the area in the West Bank came to be occupied by Israel. In 1988, Jordan severed its legal and constitutional ties with the West Bank. However, six years later, Jordan signed a Peace Agreement with Israel in 1994, after the latter returned all the rights to the land and waters in pursuit of the principle of maintenance of Peace in exchange of the land.
Jordan Yesterday
The region is ancient, having been known to have human habitation for over 3000 years. A number of human settlements and civilizations flourished in the area, each one leaving its mark in the form of invaluable artifacts found aplenty.
The more prominent ones of these civilizations comprised the early Arab civilizations, namely, Adomeaon, Moabeon Amoreon and Amoein since the 18th century BC. These were followed by the early Nabeaten between the fourth Century BC until the first Century AD. The Nabeaten civilization of Ampait was considered to be quite progressive in terms of pursuing agriculture and having well developed irrigation systems. The people of this civilization were also adept in trade and construction. Appreciated worldwide for its architectural beauty, the Rose Red City of Petra in South Jordan was the capital of this civilization.
After the decline of the Nabeaten civilization, the Romans invaded the area and exploited its natural resources to their advantage. The major landmarks left behind by the Romans comprise the entire Roman city of Jerash and the magnificent Roman theaters in Amman. In 636 AD, the area was run over by the followers of Islam who established a number of cities according to the Islamic style of architecture. They were followed by Christians in the 12th century AD.
In the 16th century AD, the area came under Turkish Muslim rule (known as the Al Khilafa Uthmanein). Over time, the Turkish rulers started exploiting not only the natural resources but also distorting the Arab culture with impunity. The process of tampering with the local ethos and continuing exploitation created unrest among the people who found the Turkish rule to be becoming increasingly more offensive. As a result, the Sharief Mecca gave a call for a major Arab revolution in 1916. (Nusairat: 96: 35)
Modern Jordan may be said to emerge under the rule of King Abdullah, who became the ruler, following the call for the Arab revolution by the Sharief of Mecca. This struggle brought to an end the Turkish rule and resulted in the establishment of an Emirate of East Jordan in 1921 (though still under the overall political jurisdiction of the area as a British Colony).
Jordan gained independence from the British in 1946. In 1948, Israel occupied a large part of Palestine. Subsequently, the Palestinians came together in Conferences held at Areha and Nabless in 1948 and decided to merge the area on the West bank of the Jordan river with the area on the East Bank. In 1950, they approached King Abdullah, professing their allegiance to him and requesting him to be the ruler for both the areas. The King acceded to their request and called for general elections in 1950. In the same year, the newly elected Parliament of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan gave formal approval to the merger. (Ibid.)
In 1967, the area in the West Bank came to be occupied by Israel. In 1988, Jordan severed its legal and constitutional ties with the West Bank. However, six years later, Jordan signed a Peace Agreement with Israel in 1994, after the latter returned all the rights to the land and waters in pursuit of the principle of maintenance of Peace in exchange of the land.
صفحة 5
Jordan Today
Area and Population
The total area of Jordan is 89,342 sq. kms. The climate is east Mediterranean, which is known for being hot and dry in summer and cold and humid in winter. (Govt. of Jordan: Statistical Year Book 1999: pp. M & 1)
According to the Population and Housing Census, in 1994, Jordan’s population increased from 0.586 million in 1952 to 4.139 million by 1994(1). Of this total, females and males were 1.96 and 2.14 million respectively. The age group 15-64 years rose from 50.6% in 1961 to 55.7% of the population in 1994. The ratio of population under 15 years old fell from 45.6% in 1961 to 41.7% in 1994. (Ibid.).
Between 1979 and 1989, the country’s population reflected an annual growth rate of 3.8 per cent. In 1990, however, the growth rate shot up to 9.8 per cent. This drastic increase resulted from the inflow of about two hundred thousand returnees from the Gulf during this year because of the Gulf War. Subsequently, the growth rate came down to 6.5 per cent in 1991 when about a hundred thousand returnees came to Jordan. Thereafter, between 1992 and 1994, the growth rate declined again to be in the range of 3.6 to 3.8 per cent. (Govt. of Jordan, Statistical Yearbook: 94: 22).
In fact , the population growth rate in Jordan continue declined shows a significant decrease during the period (1994-2004) recorded 2.6 percent ( statistical yearbook.ps. 2007).
In a way, this fluctuation represented the spurt in the size of the population owing mainly to the Gulf Crisis. While the upswings came from Palestinians and Jordanians, returning to their homeland, the downswing marked the return to a state of normalcy.
The existing crude death rate in Jordan came down from 18.0 per thousand in 1961 to 5.0 in the nineties(2) (Govt. of Jordan, Statistical Yearbook: 99: p. M). This happened mainly because of significant improvements in the health sector. Education and mass media also played an important role in this regard by continuing to inform people about various diseases and the measures that they could take to prevent them.
At the time the present study was conducted, over four-fifths (78.6%) of the total population in Jordan was concentrated in urban areas. In fact, in case of three Governorates (Amman, Irbid and Zarka), the proportion of urban dwellers was found to be even higher, i.e., 81.0%. With a majority of its population concentrated in urban areas, Jordan has suffered from an unbalanced population distribution.
Four major reasons account for the concentration of population in these three Governorates. Firstly, these Governorates offered greater opportunities for salaried employment besides the establishment and concentration of business therein.
Secondly, there was forced immigration from the West Bank to the East Bank in 1948 (resulting from Israel’s occupation of a part of Palestine) and 1967 (resulting from the Arab and Israel War). The movement of the bulk of the refugees to these Governorates came about mainly because of the first factor (just referred to) and the fact that these Governorates were geographically closer to the West Bank.
Thirdly, following the Gulf crisis in 1990-91, there was considerable in-migration of returnees from Kuwait and other Gulf countries.
Fourthly, the increase came about from the normal city-ward migration in the country as a result the urban pull.
Area and Population
The total area of Jordan is 89,342 sq. kms. The climate is east Mediterranean, which is known for being hot and dry in summer and cold and humid in winter. (Govt. of Jordan: Statistical Year Book 1999: pp. M & 1)
According to the Population and Housing Census, in 1994, Jordan’s population increased from 0.586 million in 1952 to 4.139 million by 1994(1). Of this total, females and males were 1.96 and 2.14 million respectively. The age group 15-64 years rose from 50.6% in 1961 to 55.7% of the population in 1994. The ratio of population under 15 years old fell from 45.6% in 1961 to 41.7% in 1994. (Ibid.).
Between 1979 and 1989, the country’s population reflected an annual growth rate of 3.8 per cent. In 1990, however, the growth rate shot up to 9.8 per cent. This drastic increase resulted from the inflow of about two hundred thousand returnees from the Gulf during this year because of the Gulf War. Subsequently, the growth rate came down to 6.5 per cent in 1991 when about a hundred thousand returnees came to Jordan. Thereafter, between 1992 and 1994, the growth rate declined again to be in the range of 3.6 to 3.8 per cent. (Govt. of Jordan, Statistical Yearbook: 94: 22).
In fact , the population growth rate in Jordan continue declined shows a significant decrease during the period (1994-2004) recorded 2.6 percent ( statistical yearbook.ps. 2007).
In a way, this fluctuation represented the spurt in the size of the population owing mainly to the Gulf Crisis. While the upswings came from Palestinians and Jordanians, returning to their homeland, the downswing marked the return to a state of normalcy.
The existing crude death rate in Jordan came down from 18.0 per thousand in 1961 to 5.0 in the nineties(2) (Govt. of Jordan, Statistical Yearbook: 99: p. M). This happened mainly because of significant improvements in the health sector. Education and mass media also played an important role in this regard by continuing to inform people about various diseases and the measures that they could take to prevent them.
At the time the present study was conducted, over four-fifths (78.6%) of the total population in Jordan was concentrated in urban areas. In fact, in case of three Governorates (Amman, Irbid and Zarka), the proportion of urban dwellers was found to be even higher, i.e., 81.0%. With a majority of its population concentrated in urban areas, Jordan has suffered from an unbalanced population distribution.
Four major reasons account for the concentration of population in these three Governorates. Firstly, these Governorates offered greater opportunities for salaried employment besides the establishment and concentration of business therein.
Secondly, there was forced immigration from the West Bank to the East Bank in 1948 (resulting from Israel’s occupation of a part of Palestine) and 1967 (resulting from the Arab and Israel War). The movement of the bulk of the refugees to these Governorates came about mainly because of the first factor (just referred to) and the fact that these Governorates were geographically closer to the West Bank.
Thirdly, following the Gulf crisis in 1990-91, there was considerable in-migration of returnees from Kuwait and other Gulf countries.
Fourthly, the increase came about from the normal city-ward migration in the country as a result the urban pull.
صفحة 6
The Health Sector
The Health Sector in Jordan witnessed considerable progress at all levels during the last twenty five years, especially during the nineties. To illustrate, the number of health professionals in the Ministry of Health increased between 1990-1994.
In 1994, the country had 63 hospitals out of which 27 were in the Government sector and the rest (36) in the private sector. At the face of it, these figures seem to show that the private sector had stolen a march over the governmental sector in providing hospitals. However, vis-à-vis their coverage, the Government sector hospitals fared much better. Thus, in terms of their bed strength, they outnumbered the private sector, i.e., they had 4894 beds out of a total of 6801.
While in 2007 Jordan as whole had 103 hospitals out of which 43 were in the government sector, and the rest were in private sector, besides hundreds of health care centers, in terms of beds, the total number of beds 11043 out of which 7401 were in the government and the rest bellowing the private sector (Ministry of health, Annual statistical yearbook,2007) Besides these hospitals, the country had a number of health centers, i.e., 348 Health Centers under the Ministry of Health, 258 rural centers and 268 Maternal and Child Health Centers.
With the passage of time J.e, in 2007 the number of health centers under the ministry of health was 441 beside , 238 village clinics, 416 maternity and child health centers and 285 dental clinics (Statistical yearbook p.142.2007)
The average life expectancy (after the first year of birth) increased from 45.8 years for males and 46.5 years for females in 1961 to 71.6 for males and 74.4 females respectively in 2007 (Jordan in figures , p.2, 2007). In case of infant mortality rate, the available figure shows that decreased from an estimated 151 per 1000 in 1961 to 20.0 per 1000 in 2007 (Ibid, 003) The enhancement in health services also manifested itself in some other areas as well. Thus, the ratio of population per physician was 905 and 602 persons per hospital bed. (Ibid.)
On the basis of these figures, it may be said that the Government has devoted considerable attention to improve the health facilities within a short time, extending health and medicare for the people throughout Jordan, especially for those who were covered under the country’s Health Insurance Scheme.
The Health Sector in Jordan witnessed considerable progress at all levels during the last twenty five years, especially during the nineties. To illustrate, the number of health professionals in the Ministry of Health increased between 1990-1994.
In 1994, the country had 63 hospitals out of which 27 were in the Government sector and the rest (36) in the private sector. At the face of it, these figures seem to show that the private sector had stolen a march over the governmental sector in providing hospitals. However, vis-à-vis their coverage, the Government sector hospitals fared much better. Thus, in terms of their bed strength, they outnumbered the private sector, i.e., they had 4894 beds out of a total of 6801.
While in 2007 Jordan as whole had 103 hospitals out of which 43 were in the government sector, and the rest were in private sector, besides hundreds of health care centers, in terms of beds, the total number of beds 11043 out of which 7401 were in the government and the rest bellowing the private sector (Ministry of health, Annual statistical yearbook,2007) Besides these hospitals, the country had a number of health centers, i.e., 348 Health Centers under the Ministry of Health, 258 rural centers and 268 Maternal and Child Health Centers.
With the passage of time J.e, in 2007 the number of health centers under the ministry of health was 441 beside , 238 village clinics, 416 maternity and child health centers and 285 dental clinics (Statistical yearbook p.142.2007)
The average life expectancy (after the first year of birth) increased from 45.8 years for males and 46.5 years for females in 1961 to 71.6 for males and 74.4 females respectively in 2007 (Jordan in figures , p.2, 2007). In case of infant mortality rate, the available figure shows that decreased from an estimated 151 per 1000 in 1961 to 20.0 per 1000 in 2007 (Ibid, 003) The enhancement in health services also manifested itself in some other areas as well. Thus, the ratio of population per physician was 905 and 602 persons per hospital bed. (Ibid.)
On the basis of these figures, it may be said that the Government has devoted considerable attention to improve the health facilities within a short time, extending health and medicare for the people throughout Jordan, especially for those who were covered under the country’s Health Insurance Scheme.
صفحة 7
The Education Sector
Jordan registered considerable development in the field of education. Public expenditure on this sector constituted about 10% of the Government’s budget for 1991. while in case of 2007 , the percentage of public expenditure on this sector increased slightly to 10.25 (Jordan in figures 2008) however, in 2007 more than two –thirds j.e., (71%) of the students in Jordan were enrolled in schools run by the government.
Over three-fourths (76.1 %) of the students in the Kingdom were enrolled in schools, run by the government. The country was also making serious efforts to reduce illiteracy through Adult Education Centres in various areas.
The available figures show that illiteracy had come down from 19 % in 1990 to 7.9% in 2007(11.6 females 7.5 males). To some extent, the rate of illiteracy also came down because of increase in the enrollment to the Basic educational level, which was as high as 94% of the population of the relevant age groups in 1990 (Govt. of Jordan: Economic & Social Development Plan op cit.: 51).
The number of students enrolled up to the secondary level (up to class 12) rose from 240,300 in 1955 to 1,215,900 in 1994(3).
With the passage of time , the number of teachers went up to 88680 in 2006/2007 (statistical yearbook , p. 120.2007). out of these 71.8% were employed by the ministry of education and other government run educational institutions Out of these, 1,036,079 were reported to be studying at the Basic level 93,773 at the Academic Secondary (See Operational Definitions) level and 30,052 undergoing some vocational training.
Providing education in Jordan is primarily the responsibility of the State. The figures in this regard show that, in 1993-94, educational facilities in case of nearly three-fourths of the students up to the secondary level (72.54%) were provided by the Ministry of Education. As against this, 13.9% of the students studied under private aegis while the rest (12.4%) were catered to by the international sector. A major development also took place in the form of expansion in the number of schools, which rose from 958 in 1952-53 to 3943 by 1993-94 (Abbadi: May 25, 2001).
Another important development in the educational sphere comprised the increase in the number of teachers. Their figures rose from 6,788 in 1955 to 55,258 in 1992-1993. Of these, 76.5% were employed by the Ministry of Education alone. With another 1.5% of the teachers belonging to other Government run educational institutions, the percentage of teachers in the Government sector went up to 78 % of all the teachers in Jordan. This situation emerged because most of the students received education through institutions run by the Government. A major contributing factor for the situation consisted of the fact that education in the Government run institutions was far less expensive than in case of institutions run by the private sector.
The figures also show that a majority of the teachers at the pre-college level were female (33,689 out of 55,258 or 60.9 per cent). As mentioned earlier, this was largely because females preferred to work as teachers. In fact, except five, all the teachers at the Kindergarten level were females. The private sector also apparently preferred to employ women teachers.
Higher Education
As in case of education at the school level, a vast expansion also took place in the educational facilities in the area of higher education. Thus, we find that from just one university in Jordan in 1962, by 1993-94, (4) there were 15 universities. Out of these, four were managed by the Government while eleven ran under private auspices. (Govt. of Jordan, Jordan in Figures: op. cit.: 4). Likewise, the number of community colleges (non-existent in 1946) reached a figure of 48 in 1993-94. Out of these, 26 colleges were run by the Government. In case of the rest, 20 colleges were run under private auspices while the remaining two were managed by an international agency, namely the United Nations Refugees Work Agency or (UNRWA). (Ministry of Higher Education, Annual Statistical Report: 1993-94: 201). According to the official data for the academic year 1993-1994, (5) the total of the B.A./B.Sc. level students and the Intermediate Diploma students (including students admitted to the first year 1993-1994 batch) was 101,162. Out of these, 40,040 were females. (Ibid.).
Before going any further, it is worth mentioning here that, even though the number of institutions of higher education managed by the Government was much smaller than the number of institutions run by the private sector, in terms of enrollment, the Government sector shouldered the major responsibility in higher education. To illustrate, a total of 65815 students out of 101,162 (65.1%), enrolled at the university level, were in the universities run by the Government. To appreciate this, we need to remember that the Government sector assumed the responsibility to provide higher education much earlier than the private sector, which entered the scene later on, especially after 1991.
This development also came about as the Jordanian Government allowed greater freedom to the private sector to establish institutions of higher learning. In fact, this move itself was the result of the operation of a number of other factors. Foremost among these were:
Jordan registered considerable development in the field of education. Public expenditure on this sector constituted about 10% of the Government’s budget for 1991. while in case of 2007 , the percentage of public expenditure on this sector increased slightly to 10.25 (Jordan in figures 2008) however, in 2007 more than two –thirds j.e., (71%) of the students in Jordan were enrolled in schools run by the government.
Over three-fourths (76.1 %) of the students in the Kingdom were enrolled in schools, run by the government. The country was also making serious efforts to reduce illiteracy through Adult Education Centres in various areas.
The available figures show that illiteracy had come down from 19 % in 1990 to 7.9% in 2007(11.6 females 7.5 males). To some extent, the rate of illiteracy also came down because of increase in the enrollment to the Basic educational level, which was as high as 94% of the population of the relevant age groups in 1990 (Govt. of Jordan: Economic & Social Development Plan op cit.: 51).
The number of students enrolled up to the secondary level (up to class 12) rose from 240,300 in 1955 to 1,215,900 in 1994(3).
With the passage of time , the number of teachers went up to 88680 in 2006/2007 (statistical yearbook , p. 120.2007). out of these 71.8% were employed by the ministry of education and other government run educational institutions Out of these, 1,036,079 were reported to be studying at the Basic level 93,773 at the Academic Secondary (See Operational Definitions) level and 30,052 undergoing some vocational training.
Providing education in Jordan is primarily the responsibility of the State. The figures in this regard show that, in 1993-94, educational facilities in case of nearly three-fourths of the students up to the secondary level (72.54%) were provided by the Ministry of Education. As against this, 13.9% of the students studied under private aegis while the rest (12.4%) were catered to by the international sector. A major development also took place in the form of expansion in the number of schools, which rose from 958 in 1952-53 to 3943 by 1993-94 (Abbadi: May 25, 2001).
Another important development in the educational sphere comprised the increase in the number of teachers. Their figures rose from 6,788 in 1955 to 55,258 in 1992-1993. Of these, 76.5% were employed by the Ministry of Education alone. With another 1.5% of the teachers belonging to other Government run educational institutions, the percentage of teachers in the Government sector went up to 78 % of all the teachers in Jordan. This situation emerged because most of the students received education through institutions run by the Government. A major contributing factor for the situation consisted of the fact that education in the Government run institutions was far less expensive than in case of institutions run by the private sector.
The figures also show that a majority of the teachers at the pre-college level were female (33,689 out of 55,258 or 60.9 per cent). As mentioned earlier, this was largely because females preferred to work as teachers. In fact, except five, all the teachers at the Kindergarten level were females. The private sector also apparently preferred to employ women teachers.
Higher Education
As in case of education at the school level, a vast expansion also took place in the educational facilities in the area of higher education. Thus, we find that from just one university in Jordan in 1962, by 1993-94, (4) there were 15 universities. Out of these, four were managed by the Government while eleven ran under private auspices. (Govt. of Jordan, Jordan in Figures: op. cit.: 4). Likewise, the number of community colleges (non-existent in 1946) reached a figure of 48 in 1993-94. Out of these, 26 colleges were run by the Government. In case of the rest, 20 colleges were run under private auspices while the remaining two were managed by an international agency, namely the United Nations Refugees Work Agency or (UNRWA). (Ministry of Higher Education, Annual Statistical Report: 1993-94: 201). According to the official data for the academic year 1993-1994, (5) the total of the B.A./B.Sc. level students and the Intermediate Diploma students (including students admitted to the first year 1993-1994 batch) was 101,162. Out of these, 40,040 were females. (Ibid.).
Before going any further, it is worth mentioning here that, even though the number of institutions of higher education managed by the Government was much smaller than the number of institutions run by the private sector, in terms of enrollment, the Government sector shouldered the major responsibility in higher education. To illustrate, a total of 65815 students out of 101,162 (65.1%), enrolled at the university level, were in the universities run by the Government. To appreciate this, we need to remember that the Government sector assumed the responsibility to provide higher education much earlier than the private sector, which entered the scene later on, especially after 1991.
This development also came about as the Jordanian Government allowed greater freedom to the private sector to establish institutions of higher learning. In fact, this move itself was the result of the operation of a number of other factors. Foremost among these were:
صفحة 8
1. Substantial increases in the number of students from the higher secondary level, eligible to pursue higher studies;
2. Increasingly larger number of students, sent to Jordan for studies by Jordanians staying abroad, Palestinians and other Arab countries, especially those in the Gulf region, who preferred to send their children to Jordan;
3. Increase in the demand for higher education from the returnees who came to Jordan after the Gulf War
4. Efforts made by the Jordanian Government to reduce the number of Jordanian students going abroad for higher studies. These efforts essentially comprised keeping the fees for higher education at affordable levels and offering scholarships for study in the Government-run universities. This was how, the number of Jordanian students studying abroad declined from 66.931 in 1979-80 to just 20,754 in 1993-94. (6) (Govt. of Jordan, Dept. of Statistics: 1993: 263)
The increased demand for higher studies also made it a more lucrative sector of investment because of which the private sector stepped in. This is how, at the time this study was conducted, one found a larger number of Universities run by the private sector. However, despite the larger number of universities in this sector, the number of students enrolled therein was much smaller as the fees of the privately managed Universities were substantially higher.
The figures also show that the proportion of female students at the University level was less than one-third of the total number of students enrolled therein (21,304 out of 65,815 or 30.3%) These figures indicate the existence of a traditional approach followed by the society because of which the proportion of female students remained far lower to that of the males in the area of higher education. Further, even among the female students, the proportion of students, enrolled in institutions, run under private aegis, was much lesser than to the proportion studying in government-run institution. This will be clear from the fact that more than four-fifths (21,304 out of 24,594 students) were enrolled in government-run Universities with the rest (3,290) enrolled in privately run institutions. Needless to say, higher fees charged by the latter further inhibited the entry of female students to join these institutions.
In sharp contrast to the above, at the Community College level, practically three-fourths of the total number of students (15,536 out of 20,828) were females. In other words, whereas the male/female proportion at the University level was 69.5 and 30.5% respectively, the same worked out to be 25.4 and 74.6% respectively in case of the Community Colleges. This significantly higher proportion of female students in Community Colleges can be understood from the following factors:
1. The availability of Community Colleges in every Governorate. This encouraged parents to send their female wards to these institutions because they could return home every day.
2. The fees charged by the community colleges were lower than the fees charged by the universities (whether under private aegis or even managed by the Government).
3. The shorter period of study in a Community College (two years after secondary level) provided yet another inducement for the parents to send their female wards to these institutions. This was not the case with University level education that required four years to complete.
4. The community colleges admitted students even with lower pass percentages in the Secondary examination. This applied especially to those students who could not do well in the entrance tests to the Universities and, therefore, were denied admission by the latter; and
5. Whereas it was relatively easier for male students to go abroad to study, this was well nigh impossible in case of female students, especially for those from a rural or Badia background.
At the post-graduate level, the number of male students was practically four-fifths (4812 out of 6055 or 79.5 per cent) of the total. It is also noteworthy that an overwhelming majority of the Master’s degree level students was enrolled in arts or science courses (5121 out of 6055 or 84.6 per cent –).
Only 2.5% of the post-graduate students were enrolled to the doctoral programme. Vis-a-vis the subjects of study, enrollment at this level was confined to rather limited areas like Arabic, History, Education, etc. after more than one decide i.e., between 1994-2007 the number of post –graduats students at Jordanian government university increased sharply from (6055) in 1994 to 14214 in 2007 (statistical yearbook, p. 128.2006/2007) more than three –fourth (10718 out of 14214 or 75.4 percent) of the total were enrolled to the masters programme with little more than one –tenths only (1929 out of 14214 or 13.6 percent ) were enrolled to the doctoral programme.
2. Increasingly larger number of students, sent to Jordan for studies by Jordanians staying abroad, Palestinians and other Arab countries, especially those in the Gulf region, who preferred to send their children to Jordan;
3. Increase in the demand for higher education from the returnees who came to Jordan after the Gulf War
4. Efforts made by the Jordanian Government to reduce the number of Jordanian students going abroad for higher studies. These efforts essentially comprised keeping the fees for higher education at affordable levels and offering scholarships for study in the Government-run universities. This was how, the number of Jordanian students studying abroad declined from 66.931 in 1979-80 to just 20,754 in 1993-94. (6) (Govt. of Jordan, Dept. of Statistics: 1993: 263)
The increased demand for higher studies also made it a more lucrative sector of investment because of which the private sector stepped in. This is how, at the time this study was conducted, one found a larger number of Universities run by the private sector. However, despite the larger number of universities in this sector, the number of students enrolled therein was much smaller as the fees of the privately managed Universities were substantially higher.
The figures also show that the proportion of female students at the University level was less than one-third of the total number of students enrolled therein (21,304 out of 65,815 or 30.3%) These figures indicate the existence of a traditional approach followed by the society because of which the proportion of female students remained far lower to that of the males in the area of higher education. Further, even among the female students, the proportion of students, enrolled in institutions, run under private aegis, was much lesser than to the proportion studying in government-run institution. This will be clear from the fact that more than four-fifths (21,304 out of 24,594 students) were enrolled in government-run Universities with the rest (3,290) enrolled in privately run institutions. Needless to say, higher fees charged by the latter further inhibited the entry of female students to join these institutions.
In sharp contrast to the above, at the Community College level, practically three-fourths of the total number of students (15,536 out of 20,828) were females. In other words, whereas the male/female proportion at the University level was 69.5 and 30.5% respectively, the same worked out to be 25.4 and 74.6% respectively in case of the Community Colleges. This significantly higher proportion of female students in Community Colleges can be understood from the following factors:
1. The availability of Community Colleges in every Governorate. This encouraged parents to send their female wards to these institutions because they could return home every day.
2. The fees charged by the community colleges were lower than the fees charged by the universities (whether under private aegis or even managed by the Government).
3. The shorter period of study in a Community College (two years after secondary level) provided yet another inducement for the parents to send their female wards to these institutions. This was not the case with University level education that required four years to complete.
4. The community colleges admitted students even with lower pass percentages in the Secondary examination. This applied especially to those students who could not do well in the entrance tests to the Universities and, therefore, were denied admission by the latter; and
5. Whereas it was relatively easier for male students to go abroad to study, this was well nigh impossible in case of female students, especially for those from a rural or Badia background.
At the post-graduate level, the number of male students was practically four-fifths (4812 out of 6055 or 79.5 per cent) of the total. It is also noteworthy that an overwhelming majority of the Master’s degree level students was enrolled in arts or science courses (5121 out of 6055 or 84.6 per cent –).
Only 2.5% of the post-graduate students were enrolled to the doctoral programme. Vis-a-vis the subjects of study, enrollment at this level was confined to rather limited areas like Arabic, History, Education, etc. after more than one decide i.e., between 1994-2007 the number of post –graduats students at Jordanian government university increased sharply from (6055) in 1994 to 14214 in 2007 (statistical yearbook, p. 128.2006/2007) more than three –fourth (10718 out of 14214 or 75.4 percent) of the total were enrolled to the masters programme with little more than one –tenths only (1929 out of 14214 or 13.6 percent ) were enrolled to the doctoral programme.
صفحة 9
Labour Force
The size of the labour force in Jordan rose from 446,000 workers in 1979 to 920,000 in 1991, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.3 per cent. Jordanian labour accounted for 86 per cent of the total. Speaking in a geographical context, the size of the labour force in the three developmental regions of the country grew annually @ 6.9% (Northern Region), 6.3% (Central Region) and 4.1% (Southern Region) (Govt. of Jordan, Economic and Social Development Plan, op. cit.: 27,).
The number of foreign workers in Jordan increased from 153,000 in 1984 to 196,000 in 1989. In 1994, (7) the number of Work Permits, granted to foreign workers, was 42,275. Out of these, an overwhelming majority (83.5%) comprised males. Over three-fifths of these foreign workers (25,892 out of 42,275 or 61.2%) were employed in the services sector, doing unskilled work with only 2,022 (4.8%) working as specialists and technicians. Most of them hailed from the Arab countries, followed by Asians with fewer still from Europe (Govt. of Jordan, Statistical Yearbook 1994: 101-2). A total of 277,200 Jordanians (figures for 1987) were also reported to be employed abroad, particularly in Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, etc. Most of these Jordanians worked as technicians and skilled labour.
Unemployment
Between 1987-1991, the rate of unemployment in Jordan rose from 14.8 per cent to 17.1 per cent. In 1991, the unemployment rate for males and females was 14.5 and 34.2 per cent respectively (Govt. of Jordan, Economic and Social Development Plan: op cit.: 39). The figures about the rate of unemployment changed subsequently to 2.9% in case of males and 28.3 in case of females in 1991 (Govt. of Jordan, Jordan in Figures: 2-3).
According to available data at department of statistic, the rate of unemployment had come down put slightly from 17.1 percent in 1991 to 13.1 in 2007 in 1991 the unemployment rate for males and females was 14.5 and 34.2 percent respectively while in 2007 the unemployment rate for males and females were 10.3 and 25.6 percent respectively ( Jordan in figures, p2 , 2007).
It is worth noting that one of the important factors, responsible for the high rate of unemployment in Jordan, consisted of the fact that Jordanians, in general, do not prefer working in sectors like agriculture, municipal services (especially scavenging), hotels, restaurants, etc. Instead, they prefer to work in the Government and private sectors as officers or as self-employed entrepreneurs.
Underlying this preference are social considerations, according to which, persons doing menial jobs (sanitary staff, sweepers, cattle herders and those working in restaurants, hotels, etc.) are viewed as occupying a somewhat lower socio-economic status than those working as officers (white collar workers). This is how these jobs were taken up in larger numbers by foreign workers in Jordan. Besides these, a number of other factors were also responsible for the situation. These are as follows:
1. Decline in the economic growth rate. Thus the growth rate of the Gross Domestic products (GDP) at current prices declined very sharply from 22.3 in 1992 to just 3.1 in 1996(8). The GDP at constant prices (1985 = 100% (prices fell from 16% in 1992 to 0.8% in 1996) (Govt. of Jordan, Jordan in Figures: 1994 and 1996: 7 and 7/2 respectively):
2. Decline in outward migration to the Gulf States, mainly because of the Gulf Crisis;
3. Return to Jordan of large number of Jordanian and Palestinian workers, working abroad besides an increase in the number of foreign labour;
4. ‘Lack of fit’ between the products of the educational system in the country and the needs of the labour market;
5. Increase of female participation in the labour force (The crude Active Rate for females increased from 6.8 in 1994 to 7.1 in 2005 (Jordan in figures p2, 2008)). Likewise, the specific Activity Rate for females (15 and above) increased from 11.9 in 1994 to 14.7 in 2007 . (Department of statistical, p48, 2007))
6 Lack of precise statistical information on labour supply and demand. The unemployment rate in Jordan was particularly influenced by the prevailing level of education. As will be shown later, the rate of unemployment among the educated people was higher, especially among those who graduated from community colleges.
1 - According to the data, among males in the age group 20-24 years, the highest rate of unemployment was found to exist among those having studied up to the secondary level (1512 cases out of 3604 i.e. 41.9 % -). In contrast, among illiterate persons in the same age group, the number of unemployed persons was only 109 cases out of 1014 (10.7 per cent).
The size of the labour force in Jordan rose from 446,000 workers in 1979 to 920,000 in 1991, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.3 per cent. Jordanian labour accounted for 86 per cent of the total. Speaking in a geographical context, the size of the labour force in the three developmental regions of the country grew annually @ 6.9% (Northern Region), 6.3% (Central Region) and 4.1% (Southern Region) (Govt. of Jordan, Economic and Social Development Plan, op. cit.: 27,).
The number of foreign workers in Jordan increased from 153,000 in 1984 to 196,000 in 1989. In 1994, (7) the number of Work Permits, granted to foreign workers, was 42,275. Out of these, an overwhelming majority (83.5%) comprised males. Over three-fifths of these foreign workers (25,892 out of 42,275 or 61.2%) were employed in the services sector, doing unskilled work with only 2,022 (4.8%) working as specialists and technicians. Most of them hailed from the Arab countries, followed by Asians with fewer still from Europe (Govt. of Jordan, Statistical Yearbook 1994: 101-2). A total of 277,200 Jordanians (figures for 1987) were also reported to be employed abroad, particularly in Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, etc. Most of these Jordanians worked as technicians and skilled labour.
Unemployment
Between 1987-1991, the rate of unemployment in Jordan rose from 14.8 per cent to 17.1 per cent. In 1991, the unemployment rate for males and females was 14.5 and 34.2 per cent respectively (Govt. of Jordan, Economic and Social Development Plan: op cit.: 39). The figures about the rate of unemployment changed subsequently to 2.9% in case of males and 28.3 in case of females in 1991 (Govt. of Jordan, Jordan in Figures: 2-3).
According to available data at department of statistic, the rate of unemployment had come down put slightly from 17.1 percent in 1991 to 13.1 in 2007 in 1991 the unemployment rate for males and females was 14.5 and 34.2 percent respectively while in 2007 the unemployment rate for males and females were 10.3 and 25.6 percent respectively ( Jordan in figures, p2 , 2007).
It is worth noting that one of the important factors, responsible for the high rate of unemployment in Jordan, consisted of the fact that Jordanians, in general, do not prefer working in sectors like agriculture, municipal services (especially scavenging), hotels, restaurants, etc. Instead, they prefer to work in the Government and private sectors as officers or as self-employed entrepreneurs.
Underlying this preference are social considerations, according to which, persons doing menial jobs (sanitary staff, sweepers, cattle herders and those working in restaurants, hotels, etc.) are viewed as occupying a somewhat lower socio-economic status than those working as officers (white collar workers). This is how these jobs were taken up in larger numbers by foreign workers in Jordan. Besides these, a number of other factors were also responsible for the situation. These are as follows:
1. Decline in the economic growth rate. Thus the growth rate of the Gross Domestic products (GDP) at current prices declined very sharply from 22.3 in 1992 to just 3.1 in 1996(8). The GDP at constant prices (1985 = 100% (prices fell from 16% in 1992 to 0.8% in 1996) (Govt. of Jordan, Jordan in Figures: 1994 and 1996: 7 and 7/2 respectively):
2. Decline in outward migration to the Gulf States, mainly because of the Gulf Crisis;
3. Return to Jordan of large number of Jordanian and Palestinian workers, working abroad besides an increase in the number of foreign labour;
4. ‘Lack of fit’ between the products of the educational system in the country and the needs of the labour market;
5. Increase of female participation in the labour force (The crude Active Rate for females increased from 6.8 in 1994 to 7.1 in 2005 (Jordan in figures p2, 2008)). Likewise, the specific Activity Rate for females (15 and above) increased from 11.9 in 1994 to 14.7 in 2007 . (Department of statistical, p48, 2007))
6 Lack of precise statistical information on labour supply and demand. The unemployment rate in Jordan was particularly influenced by the prevailing level of education. As will be shown later, the rate of unemployment among the educated people was higher, especially among those who graduated from community colleges.
1 - According to the data, among males in the age group 20-24 years, the highest rate of unemployment was found to exist among those having studied up to the secondary level (1512 cases out of 3604 i.e. 41.9 % -). In contrast, among illiterate persons in the same age group, the number of unemployed persons was only 109 cases out of 1014 (10.7 per cent).
صفحة 10
The situation seemed to repeat itself in case of females in the age group 20-24 who passed out of the Community Colleges. A majority of them (993 cases out of 1635 or 60.7 per cent) were found to be unemployed.
One-third of the Bachelor’s Degree holders were also reported to be unemployed (251 cases out of 759 or 33.1 per cent). It is interesting to state here that the main reason for the high rate of unemployment of persons in this category was that the individuals having graduate degrees waited for the Civil Service Council to give them the opportunity for work in the Governmental sector. Some of the graduates likewise waited for similar opportunities to work as officers in the private sector.
One can legitimately ask as to why, in the age group 25-34 years, over two-fifths (324 cases out of 759 or 42.7%) from among the graduates (males) were still unemployed. Moreover, this was despite the fact that they had completed their education for quite some time. Was it because the number of persons, who passed the graduation examination being far in excess of the number of jobs, or, was it that they wished to work only in white collar jobs, mostly available in the Government Sector? Alternatively, was it because they had acquired knowledge in academic subjects but had no technical or vocational expertise, which was actually needed by the labour market? As just explained, the answers lay mainly in the popular notion whereby the graduates waited for white collar jobs and the imbalance between the demands of the job market and the supply of job aspirants
The same question could also be asked vis-à-vis the products of the community colleges, i.e., Why was there such a high rate of unemployment for the students passing out from these institutions?. The major reasons likely to be responsible for the situation are explained below.
In the past, the Ministry of Education was like a happy hunting ground for job seekers, especially for educated females, who passed from the community colleges. Further, in many cases, parents were unwilling to send the daughters to work outside the Governorate because of their traditional outlook. With the passage of time, the Government also started laying greater emphasis on recruiting those who had education at least up to the graduate (Bachelor’s) level or higher to work as teachers in schools. To illustrate, figures about unemployed females in the Kingdom show that the single highest group of unemployed females comprised those who had passed out of the Community Colleges (1635 out of 2919 or 56.2%). From amongst these, the single highest group was again of those between the ages of 20-24 years (993 out of 1635 or 60.7 per cent).
In fact, a closer look at the figures of unemployed females shows that an overwhelming majority of them (2793 out of 2919 or 95.7%) was between the ages of 20 and 34. Here also, more than half comprised those who had studied for the intermediate Diploma in some Community College (1611 out of 2793 or 57.7%). The foregoing can be understood from the fact that the Government started giving priority to those having a Bachelor’s Degree.
One-third of the Bachelor’s Degree holders were also reported to be unemployed (251 cases out of 759 or 33.1 per cent). It is interesting to state here that the main reason for the high rate of unemployment of persons in this category was that the individuals having graduate degrees waited for the Civil Service Council to give them the opportunity for work in the Governmental sector. Some of the graduates likewise waited for similar opportunities to work as officers in the private sector.
One can legitimately ask as to why, in the age group 25-34 years, over two-fifths (324 cases out of 759 or 42.7%) from among the graduates (males) were still unemployed. Moreover, this was despite the fact that they had completed their education for quite some time. Was it because the number of persons, who passed the graduation examination being far in excess of the number of jobs, or, was it that they wished to work only in white collar jobs, mostly available in the Government Sector? Alternatively, was it because they had acquired knowledge in academic subjects but had no technical or vocational expertise, which was actually needed by the labour market? As just explained, the answers lay mainly in the popular notion whereby the graduates waited for white collar jobs and the imbalance between the demands of the job market and the supply of job aspirants
The same question could also be asked vis-à-vis the products of the community colleges, i.e., Why was there such a high rate of unemployment for the students passing out from these institutions?. The major reasons likely to be responsible for the situation are explained below.
In the past, the Ministry of Education was like a happy hunting ground for job seekers, especially for educated females, who passed from the community colleges. Further, in many cases, parents were unwilling to send the daughters to work outside the Governorate because of their traditional outlook. With the passage of time, the Government also started laying greater emphasis on recruiting those who had education at least up to the graduate (Bachelor’s) level or higher to work as teachers in schools. To illustrate, figures about unemployed females in the Kingdom show that the single highest group of unemployed females comprised those who had passed out of the Community Colleges (1635 out of 2919 or 56.2%). From amongst these, the single highest group was again of those between the ages of 20-24 years (993 out of 1635 or 60.7 per cent).
In fact, a closer look at the figures of unemployed females shows that an overwhelming majority of them (2793 out of 2919 or 95.7%) was between the ages of 20 and 34. Here also, more than half comprised those who had studied for the intermediate Diploma in some Community College (1611 out of 2793 or 57.7%). The foregoing can be understood from the fact that the Government started giving priority to those having a Bachelor’s Degree.