Jewish and Arab Childhood in Israel: Contemporary Perspectives

This book explores the diverse childhoods in Israel, in both Arab and Jewish societies, and examines the perceptions and images of childhood in Jewish and Arab literature. It encourages in-depth thinking about the status of children in Arab and Jewish societies and the resources invested in nurturing them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

The growing public and academic interest in the diverse childhood experiences in the multicultural state of Israel, despite its small geographical size, has led to the publication of this comprehensive book. In a series of groundbreaking articles, the book explores various aspects of Israeli childhoods, both in the present and in the past, within Arab and Jewish societies.

The first section of the book, "Childhood and Environment in Israel," delves into the diverse spaces where childhood practices take place and continue to thrive in Israel. These spaces include the intimate home environment, educational institutions, playgrounds, and various other contexts. The authors examine the ways in which these environments shape and influence childhood experiences.

The second section, "Childhoods and Power Structures in Israeli Literature," sheds light on the perceptions and images of childhood depicted in Jewish and Arab literature. The authors analyze the extensive and diverse range of childhood representations found in these literary works, highlighting the ways in which they reflect and shape societal attitudes and beliefs.

This collaborative effort between scholars from the fields of culture, society, education, and literature, both Jews and Arabs, aims to foster deep and nuanced thinking about perceptions of childhood in the diverse Israeli society. It explores the status of children in Arab and Jewish societies, as well as the resources invested in nurturing them from a global perspective, recognizing their universal duties and rights, and from a local point of view, considering their role as national assets, architects of the nation's future, or potential burdens, nuisances, or threats.

By examining the multifaceted aspects of Israeli childhoods, this book contributes to a better understanding of the complex dynamics and cultural nuances that shape this unique society. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in exploring the diverse tapestry of childhood experiences in the Middle East and beyond.

Weight: 653g
Dimension: 229 x 161 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793635105