WOMEN IN THE CHANGING KIBBUTZ ECONOMY

This article examines within the framework of feminist theories how ch ange decisions in the kibbutz communities, which are seemingly gender- neutral, have a significant impact on the gender system. A. random sam ple of 790 kibbutz members representing the 250 secular kibbutz commun ities was sampled for this purpose. The findings show that women's att itudes 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 conclu sions of the article are that: ( 1) changes that are not aimed specifi cally at gender equality, would not bring it as a by-product. On the c ontrary, they might even make the situation worse: (2) while a combina tion of high technology and good economic situation might cover up gen der inequalities. a sudden change in the economic situation would unra vel and exacerbate them; and (3) the exclusion of gender equality as o ne of the goals for survival and the concentration on economic goals a lone increases gender inequality.