Socio-cultural and Political Aspects of Social Work with Arabs in Israel

Authors

  • Alean Al-Krenawi Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

Abstract

The profession of social work is rooted in Western ideology and infused with Western interpretations of social problems and solutions. This system has limited relevance in non-Western cultures, despite attempts at transplanting and adapting practice. The Arab people of Israel, who exist as a disadvantaged non-Western minority, serve as an important example of the cultural disconnect between Western social work practice and the needs of traditional nonWestern populations. In this narrative the author describes the author's experiences involving the Arab cultural phenomena of honor killings, polygamy, blood vengeance, and Koranic healing to illustrate current deflciencies within the field of social work. I elucidate how we may blend local knowledge with Western processes to address these phenomena. By amalgamating the strongest facets of Western social work practice with local practices—we create an integrated approach. Through an understanding of the Arab people of Israel and their customs, a more culturallyappropriate and integrated approach can be administered in Israel and within the current framework of social work

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How to Cite

Al-Krenawi, A. (2014). Socio-cultural and Political Aspects of Social Work with Arabs in Israel. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 17(4), 14–31. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/670

Issue

Section

General Submissions