Traditions versus changing Bedouin attitudes toward higher education : how do Bedouin college students perceive their family's attitudes to higher education?

Abstract

In 1991 Oranim Teachers' College adopted a teacher-training programme for Bedouin students in the north of Israel. The programme objectives included staffing Bedouin schools with Bedouin teachers and elevating the educational level of the community. Participation in this college programme by culturally insular Bedouin communities indicates a shift in traditional values worthy of investigation. Student socio-economic background is explored to determine attitude transformations enabling family and clan approval for their participation. It became apparent that as the tribe modernises, transformations ensue affecting the status of women and family life. Hence, this study focuses on educational attitudes of Bedouin students, their nuclear and extended families. The results indicate accelerated attitude changes within the tribe toward education, especially for women. Moreover, student attitudes concerning becoming instruments of educational innovation were also explored. The ramifications are discussed as they pertain to Bedouin society.