Modernization and Elder Abuse in an Arab-Israeli Context

Abstract

The study examines two interrelated indicators of modernization—urbanization and social isolation—in relation to elder abuse among Arab-Israelis, a population in rapid transition from agrarian to urban culture. The analysis matches a sample of abused elders ( N = 120) with a control group from the same population ( N = 120). Urbanization is measured by community type and social isolation is assessed by five measures of social network. The analysis finds that Arab-Israeli elderly persons who had been abused were more socially isolated than nonabused elders. In addition, abused elders who resided in cities had lower network scores than abused elders from rural and semiurban localities. The study provides preliminary empirical backing to modernization explanations of elder abuse and neglect.

First-Year Female College Students’ Academic Motivation as a Function of Perceived Parenting Styles: A Contextual Perspective

“…A possible explanation for this finding may refer to the varying process of (Litwin and Zoabi 2003). These processes of democratization in the Arab society could affect the familial relationships as shown for other democratic and liberal systems, such as those found in Lebanon, Algeria, and Jordan, where more flexible patterns of parenting have been found .…”

“…During the past few decades, Arab families have been experiencing a varying process of modernization. Although the extent of exposure to individualistic culture varies from one Arab country to another, this exposure is more intense in democratic countries Litwin and Zoabi 2003). Development processes occurring among Palestinian-Arabs in Israel are connected to general processes in other developing societies.…”

Intergenerational Relations: The Views of Older Jews and Arabs

“…The literature presents the differences between various ethnic groups in filial obligations and expectations (Laidlaw, Wang, Coelho, & Power, 2010;Pinquart & Sorensen, 2005;Silverstein et al, 2013). Furthermore, modernization, urbanization, technological developments, as well as economic and cultural conditions may reflect on contemporary intergenerational family relations (Litwin & Zoabi, 2010;Silverstein et al, 2013;Silverstein & Giarrusso, 2010;Swartz, 2009). …”

“…Modernization theory also stresses the importance of the nuclear family in the face of declining importance of extended family bonds which threatens social integration (Silverstein, Bengtson, & Litwak, 2003). Geographic mobility in modern society and rising individualism has weakened family networks and the responsibility to care for older members (Litwin & Zoabi, 2010). Modernization has affected intergenerational family solidarity as well but the changes have not been uniform across different cultures (Katz, 2009b;Lowenstein & Katz, 2010).…”

The Path to Well-Being among Elderly Arab Israelis

“…The norm of filial obligation to elderly parents is a strong cultural imperative in this population. However, modernization and urbanization have recently reduced the dominance of this particular social and cultural value (Litwin, 2003;Litwin & Zoabi, 2003).…”