Employment Of Higher Education Graduates In The Armenian Labor Market Across Gender

As the significance of women's role in society is being perceived,more attention is being paid to the issues related to gender inequality.This issue has become a global issue profoundly influencing the economic and social development of both developing and developed countries.Due to the broad area of research,gender inequality has a wide range of interpretations.Thus,this study focuses on gender inequality among higher education graduates in the Armenian labor market.As a developing country that has obtained its independence no more than 30 years ago,Armenia faces many challenges in terms of gender inequality among higher education graduates in the Armenian labor market.In response to global changes occurring in the world,Armenian policymakers have also acknowledged the vital role of gender balance in the labor market,primarily when it refers to higher education graduates.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to examine the current situation of gender distribution in the Armenian labor market,particularly the ratio of male and female higher education graduates in the Armenian labor market,their likelihood to use their academic background for the professional career,their tendency to choose typically male/female jobs as well as the perspectives and beliefs of male and female higher education graduates towards the reasons of gender inequality in the Armenian labor market.A quantitative method in the form of the survey was applied in this research aiming at successfully achieving the research objectives of this study.The representative sample size was 300 higher education graduates who have obtained their Bachelor's or equivalent degree no more than five years ago and did not proceed for a more advanced degree.The quantitative data was collected by E-Questionnaire,an online version using Google Form,where the five-point Likert scale was applied.The questionnaire consisted of 5 sections covering the demographic information and four research questions of this study.Before applying the questionnaire,a pilot study was conducted,having 25 participants.Afterward,normality,validity,and reliability tests were applied to make sure that the questionnaire items meet the necessary standards.Thereafter,the quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Packages of the Social Sciences(SPSS)version 22.Independent Samples T-test was applied in order to thoroughly conduct the research and respond to the four core research questions.The findings of this study illustrate that male higher education graduates prevail in the Armenian labor market.However,interestingly enough,the analysis indicates that female higher education graduates are more likely to use their academic background for their professional careers rather than male higher education graduates.Meanwhile,the analysis demonstrates that there is no significant difference between male and female samples in terms of their likelihood to take typically male and female jobs.To put it differently,male higher education graduates are as likely to take stereotypically male jobs as female higher education graduates are likely to take typically female jobs.Eventually,the research also finds that there is no significant difference between the perspectives and beliefs of male and female higher education graduates towards the reasons for gender inequality in the Armenian labor market.The descriptive analysis highlights that the gender pay gap,the lack of promotional opportunities,and the conservative attitude towards gender roles comprise the core reasons for gender inequality in the Armenian labor market.Overall,the findings of this study can be beneficial both theoretically and practically.As fas as theory are concerned,this study enhances the existing theories related to gender inequality among higher education graduates in the labor market.Furthermore,it reminds the policymakers and employers about the need to alter the current practices in order to avoid gender discrimination in the labor market.Practically,this research can increase the awareness of the employers of the impacts that gender inequality in the labor market has on the country's economy and alter their outlook by reforming their criteria to select employees.Moreover,this study can be beneficial for other researchers who are willing to conduct similar research and want to use this study as a reference.Additionally,this study can encourage policymakers to change the existing laws to ensure gender balance in the labor market.