DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES TOWARDS HIGHER EDUCATION AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: THE CASE OF SABRAS (ISRAELI-BORN) AND FSU IMMIGRANTS IN ISRAEL

Abstract

Between the years 1990 and 2007 about one million immigrants entered Israel from the FSU (former Soviet Union). They constitute roughly 20% of the Jewish households in the country. Israel benefitted greatly from the high human capital of this mass migration: 38.8% of the immigrants had higher education, in contrast to 27.8% of the indigenous Jewish population. Taking into consideration the cultural background of FSU immigrants, this study explores whether the elite-traditional influences their offspring who graduate from high schools in Israel. This study is based on a survey of a sample of 80 high school students – 40 FSU immigrants and 40 Sabras (Israeli born). Contrary to the hypothesis, findings indicate no significant difference in attitudes towards higher education between the two groups Key words: Israel as migration country, FSU migration, higher education expansion in Israel, habitus and educational inspirations, socially constructed roles.