When an Enclave Society Opens Up to Higher Education: The Motivations and Challenges of Ultra-Orthodox Women Pursuing Academic Degrees

• In Event: 30.043 - Living in Neoliberal Times: Complicating Notions of Progress in Higher Education

Abstract

This study examined an enclave society which has recently begun permitting its members to join colleges: Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel. We used a mixed-methods design to interview 60 female students in two waves and to survey 469 students about their motivations, conflicts and concerns regarding higher education. A k-means cluster analysis revealed five distinct profiles of students.We discuss and elaborate upon these differences and their implications for research on opportunity for minority students in higher education. This study may shed light on the motivations and challenges of students for whom attending higher education is culturally conflicted, bearing on issues of educational opportunity.

Authors

• Nurit S. Novis-Deutsch, University of Haifa

• Osnat Rubin, University of Haifa