Some feel it is the state's "social net," which supports a highly educated unemployed class of Saudi graduates, that is preventing revolution. The Saudi educational system is now trying to channel youths away from universities to more technical training. An antipathy exists towards menial jobs. Traditionally, the society has suffered from mudir syndrome; i.e. all menial jobs without authority and status are dishonorable. These jobs will be taken from foreign workers, second-class citizens, who constitute almost one-quarter of the population. Legal rights for these foreign workers are virtually non-existent. The large growth of the po!.
pulation, mixed with the large unemployment figures (an estimated 35% for men), are forcing society to leave behind traditionalist values for the sake of survival. .
Another factor in the Saudi's economic development is the goal of World Trade Organization (WTO) accession by the year 2002. WTO membership will require changes to the kingdom's economy, trade practices, and regulations. This will necessitate stamping out rampant software piracy, and possibly opening up banking and securities brokerages to foreign companies. In May 1997, during the third round of negotiations on the application, trade diplomats stated that the Kingdom, "must do more to present detailed offers on market access.measures such as easing restrictive practices in the banking sector, are likely to be strongly resisted by vested interests in the Kingdom." .
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, of which Saudi Arabia is a leading member, are looking to form a common market, an effort receiving vigorous support from the United States. Privatization, WTO membership and the opening of the Saudi economy to free trade and capital flows are all benefits of globalization that the Saudis are courting. Saudi officials are trying to balance the economic gains with the prospect of implementing necessary reforms.