Gender and Inequality for Land Supply in Jordan

Jordanian constant population growth with the given unique set of geopolitical, socio-economic, and cultural features as well as patterns of land use create pressure on land in the country. The lack of tenure security and land rights affects a significant number of people, including both males and females, however, the sheer numbers provide clear evidence that women are more affected by the inequalities. The aim is to examine the gender gap that occurs due to the formal and informal systems with a prevailing male over female ownership, including inheritance patterns, deeply rooted customary and traditional perceptions, attitudes, and social practices. The research assumes that the gender gap is amplified by the negative influence of unrecognized and insecure claims to land and property, and gender-specific issues. Aiming to contextualize land supply in Jordan with a particular focus on the gender dimension it is important to address such variables as formal laws within the legal system, governance policies, marriage and family, security of tenure and prohibition of forced evictions, demographic shifts in rural and urban areas. In order to understand and acknowledge the complexity of property rights, it is important to interpret the gender component in the institutional system, land use regulations, formal land registration and transactions, bureaucratic and documentation procedures as well as the status quo of existing knowledge in the community. The research concludes that the enhancement of the determination within the nexus of “formal legal system—status within the domestic unit—economy and education—custom and religion”, would lead to a lessening of the gender gap.