Processes of conservation and change in Arab society in Israel: Implications for the health and welfare of the Arab population

Abstract

This article reports on a study that examined how modernisation processes affect the Arab citizens of Israel on various levels and how the processes are reconciled with traditional ideals. Modernisation affects formal and informal support systems, affects family lifestyles, has resulted in changes in the treatment of elderly people and has seen modern ideas of health and wellness incorporated with traditional values and ideals. For the Arab citizens of Israel, the conflict of tradition versus modernisation is evident throughout society. Studying the processes of both modernisation and preservation and their implications allows us to better understand and address the needs of the Arab population in Israel. Based on the research presented in this review, processes of modernisation and conservation are conceptualised as a continuum along four dimensions: perceptions of self, sources of social support, health roles and gender roles. The implications of these changes are explored as they relate to various phenomena.

Being within or being between? The cultural context of Arab women's experience of coping with breast cancer in Israel

“…Modernization processes bring forth major changes for women, including increasing education levels and change in employment patterns . Traditional Westernization processes may also be seen as hybridity of traditional and modern processes rather than static notions of ethnicity, as well as cultural and social identities .…”

Prolonged Co-Generational Living: The Case of Israeli Arab Parents and Their Emerging Adult Children

“…This duality-maintenance of traditional social norms (keeping the child at home until marriage) and at the same time openness to modernization and Western values (encouraging delaying marriage age), is something that characterizes the Israeli Arab minority, a group that adheres to its traditions while going through an increasing process of modernization (Al-Haj, 1989;Azaiza, 2013;Sharabi, 2014). Although universities, and many continue to pursue higher degrees in these institutions.…”

“…In a slow and gradual process, more young Arabs are questioning the traditional values held by their parents-values that include emphasis on the individual's family of origin, with less importance accorded to one's achievements. Traditional values which extol conformity and social norms are beginning to give way to values such as individuation, autonomy, and uniqueness (Alfasi, 2014;Azaiza, 2013). As such, more young Arabs, men and women alike, are perusing education and career, and tend to move out of the parents' home before they get married (Abu Baker, 2012In addition, married couples in younger generations choose to give birth to fewer children in comparison to their parents and grandparents, Husbands tend to take more part in household chores and children rearing, and wives have begun to participate in family decision making more than in previous generations (Haj Yahia-Abu Ahmad, 2006).…”

Case Study On Patients' Gender, Lifestyle And Coping With Non-Invasive Bladder Cancer

“…Traditionally, a healthy lifestyle includes abstinence from smoking, low body mass index, moderate alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. (Dawson, 1994;Kurth, Moore, Gaziano et al, 2006;Health Promotion Agency, 2013;Schlesinger, Walter, Hampe et al, 2014;Samaha, Samaha, & Wyndham, 2007;Azaiza, 2013;The National Health and Lifestyle Survey, 2003;Kranzler et al, 2013). Two risk factor of bladder cancer are related to lifestyle: smoking and work-place exposure to certain industrial chemicals such as diesel fumes, organic chemicals, industrial rubber, leather, textiles, and paint products (Romano-Zelekha, 2010;American Cancer Society, 2016;Israeli Cancer Association, 2017).…”