A Review of Work - Family Research in the Middle East

Most research on the work–family (WF) interface has been conducted in Western societies; only a small proportion of studies have been carried out in Middle Eastern countries. This is a significant gap in the literature, considering that the Middle East represents a unique region of the world in terms of factors that might influence WF dynamics, including economic status, the influence of Islamic traditions, and the status of women in society (Metcalfe, 2008). The goal of this review is to explore existing empirical evidence on WF constructs in the Middle East. We start by defining this region and describing its socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. After reviewing the extant research on WF predictors, outcomes, and moderators for this region, we examine the small body of cross-cultural research comparing this region to others. We conclude by providing suggestions for future research.