The Gender Blindness of Good Theorists: An Israeli Case Study

In this article I use Swirski’s book as a sounding board for a theoretical discussion about issues of marginality and gender in Israeli society. My aim is to discuss a number of issues connected with gender blindness that are prevalent in sociological studies about Israeli society. Namely: (1) What is the sociological manifestation of the phenomenon referred to as gender blindness? (2) Why is it that women are often excluded in theoretical analysis? (3) Why is it that women are marginalized either intentionally or accidentally? (4) What are the causes of women’s invisibility? I explain why Marxist analysis of the ineptness of Mizrahim fails to capture the specific reasons why Mizrahi women are discriminated and oppressed

Motherhood and Career Among Israeli Homeschooling Mothers

The difficult task of combining motherhood and career resonates strongest among homeschooling mothers. The current study examines the career changes experienced by Israeli homeschooling mothers, and their subsequent perceptions of career. The study was conducted using 27 interviews with Israeli homeschooling mothers, an analysis of relevant internet forums, and personal documentation. Findings revealed that while the ability to work outside of the home is a tangible possibility for homeschooling mothers, gender role conventions place the majority of home-related responsibilities on their shoulders. They are thus more likely to take up part-time positions with flexible hours, working from home, or other adaptations that accommodate intense motherhood. Interviewees described a sense of content with their reality, but between the lines, a more complex story of concessions emerges. &nbsp