Shoug AlOthman

Shoug AlOthman is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in education and a keen interest in economic policy, with a specific focus on labor market dynamics and migration, particularly in Kuwait and the Middle East. In September 2023, she successfully completed her Master's Degree in Economic Policy at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Her research during her graduate studies centered on the "Transformation of the Kuwaiti Labour Market: The Implications of Abolishing the Kafala System," with a special emphasis on stateless populations and migration dynamics. During her time at SOAS, Shoug also served as the Department of Economics Representative for the Academic Year 2022/2023, passionately voicing student concerns and actively participating in major decision-making meetings with staff.

Her dedication to representing student interests ensured that their views were effectively communicated to the appropriate authorities. Before pursuing her graduate studies at SOAS, Shoug earned her Master's Degree in International Marketing from King’s College London in 2015. Her thesis, titled "The Modern Day Media Influence: A Look into the Impact of Bloggers' Recommendations on Consumers in Kuwait," showcased her interest in the field of marketing and consumer behavior. Shoug's academic journey began with her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, with specializations in Finance and Marketing, along with a minor in Economics, which she obtained from the American University of Kuwait in 2009. Her dedication to academic excellence was evident throughout her undergraduate years. In addition to her academic pursuits, Shoug's passion for humanitarian work led her to actively engage with Kuwait's Red Crescent for several years before joining SOAS.

Her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others through humanitarian efforts further highlights her dedication to creating change and addressing critical issues. Shoug's career at the American University of Kuwait took an academic trajectory when she joined the Mathematics and Natural Science Department in 2012 as a Teacher's Assistant. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her exceptional skills in mathematics were quickly recognized, leading her to become a full-time instructor in the Mathematics Department in the Fall of 2015. Shoug AlOthman is not only an accomplished mathematics instructor but also a dedicated researcher and advocate for positive changes in the Kuwaiti labor market, particularly as it pertains to stateless populations and migration. Her journey as an educator and her academic achievements at both King’s College London and SOAS reflect her unwavering dedication to making a difference in economic policy, while her humanitarian work showcases her commitment to helping those in need.

My research endeavors to dissect the intricate economic fabric encompassing Kuwait's stateless population, known as the Bidoon, employing a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. The study is underpinned by four overarching objectives, each contributing to a holistic understanding of the economic implications of statelessness in Kuwait. 

The primary objective is to delve into the economic activities undertaken by the Bidoon community within Kuwait. This investigation extends to a meticulous analysis of their economic contributions to the national economy, with the goal of unearthing their roles and economic significance. Concurrently, the research undertakes the examination of the formidable socio-economic barriers that the Bidoon population confronts. By scrutinizing these barriers, it aspires to unveil the multifaceted challenges they encounter and how these impediments curtail their economic potential and overall well-being.  In tandem, the research conducts a rigorous assessment of the economic costs that Kuwait bears due to the exclusion of the Bidoon from the formal economy. This endeavor encompasses an exploration of the macroeconomic consequences, labor market dynamics, and resource allocation disparities resulting from the marginalized status of the Bidoon. 

The final objective is to scrutinize and unravel the intricate web of factors that influence the economic integration of the Bidoon into Kuwaiti society and the formal economy. This aspect extends to an exploration of socio-economic, political, and migration-related factors that collectively shape the experiences of the Bidoon in Kuwait.  These objectives collectively operate within an interdisciplinary framework, drawing upon insights from economics, political economy, migration studies, and other relevant disciplines. The research employs a comprehensive methodology, incorporating econometric modeling, policy analysis, and an in-depth exploration of labor market dynamics. This methodology aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex economic implications of statelessness in Kuwait.  Through the harmonious pursuit of these objectives, the research seeks to bridge existing knowledge gaps, inform evidence-based policy interventions, and offer invaluable guidance to policymakers and stakeholders endeavoring to address the economic challenges confronted by the Bidoon community in Kuwait.

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