Changes in the Traditional Occupations and Discourse of Women: New Element of Human Capital in Redesigned Kazakh Society

Abstract

Redesigning of developing economies includes the challenge of the inclusive materialization of women's human potential. This paper investigates changes in the women’s social status and the role of human capital in conveying the Kazakhs’ traditional values. The study includes a sample of 400 women. The sample’s overall demographic profile generally corresponds to the demographic profile of Kazakh society. The research findings established importance of traditional values and behaviors for Kazakh women. Educational attainment is a significant component of social status for Kazakh women, but the degree of its influence on achieving higher social status is perceived to be insignificant.