Family Sociology in a Small Academic Community:: Family Research and Theory in Israel

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development and dissemina- tion of knowledge about family in the small academic community in Israel. The definition of family in this paper is inclusive of all forms of nuclear and extended family and kinship networks. An extensive bibliography was developed as a basis for this review of the multiple disciplinary research on family in Israel. An examination of the development of family sociology in Israel suggests a marginalization of the field of research. Zionist ideology does not place the family in a prominent role in social change. Instead, the family is seen as passive recipient of change as it occurs in the larger society. Only in positions concerning the need to absorb immigrants or to blend exiles can the role of the family in shaping society be seen. The exotic or problematic families have been the subjects of family research in Israel, leaving the average Israeli family largely unstud- ied.