Just editing a Statement of Purpose for Ph.D admission

Since the developed countries are bunched to focus on the gender roles research especially in women roles in the society. The contributions of the Middle East, Arabian Gulf in this filed are still shy and very conservative. For several reasons, the most important is social norms that are prevailing on the religion and politics authorities at some degree. Therefore, The opportunity of working as a secretary for the commission of social protection against domestic violence sensitized me into studying sociology at the levels of gender, classes, inequalities, and stratification. Gave me a first step to exposing me to gender ideology among the United States Muslims; the effects of religiosity and acculturation. This knowledge of the Muslims in the United States has given me a balanced and unique perspective to study and examine sociology in different areas of the society. In the society where I come from, women in Saudi Arabia are highly discriminated; my personal experiences and perceptions are going through changes, and this is highly propelled by studying sociology. I would like to gain insights on our society in terms of inequalities and know how to respond to the different aspects that come with social process in our society. For the achievement of this objective, a Ph.D. program in sociology that concentrates on classes and stratification, inequalities, gender and religion seem imperative. This program will equip me with relevant skills and needed knowledge to contribute positively to the effects that come out with these inequalities and the social progress of the society. My motivation towards this program also comes from other related experiences. Despite the fact that I was a secretary at the commission, I was also an event organizer during the World Diabetes day conference in Bakhsh Hospital in Mecca. Where women were less attendance for that event compared to men. This came as a build up to my undergraduate degree in social works, broadening my horizon of knowledge in sociology. My participation in the various volunteer works such as attending to children with Down syndrome and autism and those who are disabled increased my interests in studying and participating in sociology as basic science for understanding the cultures and people. To find the real answer behind the question of “Why women had less chances to practice their roles as a sender or receiver of the society interests”.

Here in the United State I found an appropriate chance to answers all my concerns without any limitations. I am currently a Masters student at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Masters’ program under Dr. Christopher Ellison guiding as my chair, it gives me a particular attention and insights in understanding and knowing the changing social conditions and consequences as reflected in gender, religion, different inequalities, classes, and stratification. By merging individual experiences in life especially in US Muslims life, I have developed a bigger picture of feminism, gender ideology among the Muslims and religion. One theory that has influenced me the most when it comes to inequalities and classes is that of Emile Durkheim of structural functionalism. The theory gives us an insight on how division of labor has disadvantaged women by giving them jobs that are seen to be lowly paid and not pleasing, hence women get to be discriminated. This contributes highly to my interests in studying sociology during my Ph.D. studies.

The knowledge obtained through my education process has enabled me conducted a several research on sociology. Through theoretical knowledge, I had the opportunity to signed my name as a presenter to present two papers, one of them will be at the Southern Sociological Society Conference in New Orleans March 2015, entitled, ‘Gender ideology among US Muslims’. In which, the effects of SES, acculturation, and religiosity and how religion moderates the association between discrimination and happiness among the United States Muslims. Another paper is “Does Religion Moderate the Association between Discrimination and Happiness among U.S. Muslims? (Co-author Christopher G. Ellison)” will be present at Southwestern Social Science Association in Denver Colorado April 2015. In future, I intend to publish those two papers as well.

Because of my exemplary performance in my undergraduate, I was awarded a master’s degree, which is sponsored by Saudi Arabian Cultural Commission (SACM). Having undergone a painful divorce at the end of year 2012, a culture not readily accepted in Saudi Arabia, I did not perform well at the first semester in the Master degree and got a D in one of the courses due to pressure and stress, so it was a very a big challenge for me to keep the scholarship active. At the end, I feel like a winner versus all my circumstances that happened in the past. Since SACM will reward me by the upgrading my scholarship to Ph.D. level.

Coupled with my commitment and enthusiasm to study and practice sociology with one of the head of sociology field in US who is Dr.Ellison at the UTSA, Now, I am looking for the best university to deepen my knowledge and curiosity about sociology. Your faculty has proven to be the best and the research standards are quite impressive and is among some of the leading higher learning institutions in this country. Your well-defined programs give students the opportunities to explore and learn more on sociology and apply in real life situations. The fascinating thing in your faculty is the comprehensive and well-developed curriculum with disciplines that are very related and taught by qualified professors. Under your program, my Ph.D. dissertation will be on areas dealing with gender, religion, inequalities, classes, and stratification. Being accepted will be a great opportunity to pursue my dream. I hope to develop my self into a well trained and educated scholar in sociological methodologies and theories. Through this program, I intend to self-actualize and develop different sociological perceptions in Saudi Arabia.

Sincerely