Reform, whether considered holistically or with relation to specific fields, has long been a well-known concept in the region but has recently re-emerged in a new context. Moreover, the topic of reform has come to occupy a central position in various sectors including the economic, political, social and cultural sectors. Thus, it is unsurprising that definitions of reform are often inconsistent, and sometimes even contradictory. Moreover, there has been considerable conflict and debate regarding which sectors should be prioritized in the reform process as well as regarding the appropriate mechanisms and strategies for implementation.

Given that the goal of reform in the Arab world is the economic, political, social and human well-being of Arab societies, it is important to understand publics’ conceptualizations of the reform process. To this end, the Centre for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan has conducted a public opinion poll on behalf of the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) concerning reform in several Arab countries including Jordan. This executive summary presents the survey’s Jordanian findings.

This survey aims, firstly, to examine the Arab street’s conceptualization of the notion of reform. It also aims to gauge public opinion towards the reform process both generally, and particularly with respect to key elements of reform in the economic, political, social and cultural sectors. Respondents’ evaluations of specific elements of the reform process were sought in order to serve as an assessment of the tangible results arising from the reform process. This, in turn, serves to highlight areas in which improvements need to be made. For example, the importance placed by the public on guaranteeing political freedoms has clear implications for the prioritization of political reforms. It is to this end that this study aims to present a picture of Jordanian society’s outlook on reform. The findings of this survey are analyzed with a view to guiding debates on reform and contributing to the formulation of visions and strategies more in line with public opinion.

This survey was carried out by the Center for Strategic Studies from 7/12 until 14/12/2006 and comprised of personal face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of 1151 people.