THE INTERSECTION OF STATE, GENDER, AND EDUCATION FOR BEDOUIN WOMEN LIVING IN THE ISRAELI NEGEV REGION
Open Access
Author:
Dorf, Caroline
Area of Honors:
Global and International Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Eric J Fleisch, Thesis Supervisor Jonathan Eran Abel, Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Israel Negev Bedouin Bedouin Women Education Women
Abstract:
The Bedouin population currently residing in the Negev region of the State of Israel faces inequality along the axis of state policy and resourcing. Specifically, educational resources and facilities for the Negev Bedouin population are inadequate in providing a quality education on par with the standards found for the Jewish population in state of Israel. This thesis argues that providing educational opportunity for Bedouin girls and women will allow for better integration of the entire Negev Bedouin population into the state of Israel as well as provide the tools to overcome much of the adversity currently faced by the population. In order to support this argument, this thesis will look at the complex history of relations between the Bedouin population and the state of Israel, the strict gender roles permeated throughout traditional Bedouin culture, and the way these components intersect in regard to educational opportunity. Additionally, the work of Non Governmental Organizations effecting the status of education for Bedouin girls and women will be profiled so as to demonstrate the potential for successful integration based off of changing realities already being experienced and impacted in the Negev region. The basis for the argument towards integration of the Bedouin population is the potential to develop equality and justice for all citizens of the modern, democratic state of Israel.
