Returning to Work After Divorce: Gendered Experiences of Street-Level Bureaucrats in Egypt

Abstract

This study adopts a phenomenon‐based approach and conducts two rounds of interviews with 40 street‐level bureaucrats in the Egyptian public sector to explore the experiences of divorced female and male bureaucrats returning to work after divorce, as well as the impact of divorce on their use of discretionary powers. The interview analysis reveals that divorced female bureaucrats experience verbal and sexual harassment, judgment regarding their appearance, and limited interactions with colleagues. These women express a need for additional leave, higher financial compensation, and a relatively low interest in managerial positions. In contrast, divorced male bureaucrats primarily express concerns about the need for greater financial support, given their obligation to allocate 30% of their salaries to support their ex‐wives and children. The findings also affirm that divorce has a marginal impact on the work performance of street‐level bureaucrats.