The Changing Status of Israeli Arab Women as Reflected in Their Role as Main Caregivers

Abstract

The study evaluated how changes in the status of women in the Israeli Arab sector are perceived in light of the role of women as main caregivers of older adults. Interviews with 25 older adults and 27 family members were conducted. Qualitative analysis consisted of constant comparisons and contrasts of relevant themes. Two main themes emerged from the interviews. The first theme was the expected and actual role of women. The immediate response of most interviewees was the expectation that women are responsible for housework in their own home and in that of their aging parents. The second theme was the changes in the woman’s status in the Arab society. Most respondents noted that women today are very busy, and they sometimes work outside the home. In other words, the themes reflect the conflict between tradition and the rules that were followed in the past, and the changes that have appeared in recent years.