RESETTLEMENT AND MODERNIZATION IN POST-NOMADIC BEDOUIN SOCIETY - THE CASE OF SEGEV-SHALOM, ISRAEL

This paper evaluates the Israeli government's Negev Bedouin-resettleme nt program from the government's and the target community's perspectiv es. Using survey data gathered in one Bedouin town, the provision of p ublic services by the government and their effective use by the Bedoui n community are measured and analyzed. The effects of urbanization on the Bedouin economy and social structures-both positive and negative-a re addressed. It is concluded that Bedouin development programs such a s that in the Negev Desert would benefit from greater awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural, religious, and social features of these groups. It is suggested that more comprehensive, user-oriented plannin g which encourages and includes public participation is essential in f urthering social and economic development in such communities.