Culture and the Participation of Native in Educational Attainment

Problem statement: Culture plays an important role to determine the gender ideologies to define rights and responsibilities and what the appropriate behaviour is for women and men. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of culture in educational attainment of Bidayuh men and women. Approach: This study adopts a phenomenology research paradigm that focuses on the lived experience of the community. The differences in educational attainment of Bidayuh men and women were constructed by the world view of the Bidayuh community itself using their own words and experience in daily life. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 50 informants Data were analysed from the understanding of the social actors. These actors reveal the influence of culture that shapes the differences between Bidayuh men and women on educational attainment. Results: The finding shows that three aspects of Bidayuh culture such as the stereotypical views on women by parent and society, differential incentive and encouragement influence the participation of Bidayuh men and women in educational attainment. Cultural influence has created obstacles for women in getting education and work opportunities. Parents and societal values still adhere to traditional values where women place in domestic space has negative consequence in women seeking higher level education. Conclusion: This implies that cross-cultural learning is necessary in enabling greater need for education attainment among gender groups. Future research should focus more on gender access to wider acquisition of skills that enable them to participate in employment as part of an overall strategy for sustained growth.