Eilat Syndrome: Deviant Behavior Among Temporary Hotel Workers

Abstract

Based on primary and secondary data, it is argued that the unique characteristics of Eilat as a remote resort town situated on the historical and cultural margins of Israeli society combine to produce a liminal image that attracts hotel employees prone to substance abuse during what they view as a temporary sojourn in the city. In addition, this liminal image presumably shapes the perception of these temporary employees regarding their sojourn in the town on a transitional job during the period of time between their national/military service and civilian life. This article delineates the sociocultural, organizational, and legal conditions leading to the occurrence of this behavioral syndrome.