Women in the Changing Kibbutz Economy

Abstract

This article examines within the framework of feminist theories how change decisions in the kibbutz communities, which are seemingly gender-neutral, have a significant impact on the gender system. A random sample of 790 kibbutz members representing the 250 secular kibbutz communities was sampled for this purpose. The findings show that women's attitudes toward change are quite similar to men's, but fewer women than men feel that the kibbutz way of life is suitable for them. The conclusions of the article are that: (I) changes that are not aimed specifically at gender equality, would not bring it as a by-product. On the contrary, they might even make the situation worse; (2) while a combination of high technology and good economic situation might cover up gender inequalities, a sudden change in the economic situation would unravel and exacerbate them; and (3) the exclusion of gender equality as one of the goals for survival and the concentration on economic goals alone increases gender inequality.