Social Welfare
The Economic Background of the Social Protest of Summer 2011
The social protest of summer 2011 was largely one of younger Israeli-born Jews. The centrality of this group in the protests may be explained by trends in their socioeconomic position. Analysis of the period between 1995 and 2010 shows that in the five years prior to the summer of 2011, the income of the typical working family headed by a young Israeli-born Jew, relative to all Israeli households, declined to unprecedented levels.
The Cost of Social Welfare: Israel in Comparative Perspective
Data collected by the OECD make it possible to compare the share of national resources devoted to social welfare (including health and housing) in Israel with other advanced economies from 1995-2007. Compared to the five Western European countries included in this research, Israel’s public social expenditure is low, and in most areas except health, it is similar to the United States. The Israeli government spends relatively little in areas which have the potential for improving the long-term economic well-being of citizens: active labor market policies, housing and support for families with children.
The Privatization of Social Services in Israel: Considerations and Concerns
Privatization of social services has become one of the most controversial issues in socioeconomic discourse in Israel. This chapter examines whether the statistical data supports this concern. The picture of the scope of social services that have been transferred is unclear: in the past decade there has been no significant change in the transfers from the government to the local authorities, the non-profits and the business sector, or in the relative contribution of public bodies involved in the provision of services.
The land of (expensive) milk and honey
A summer of protests – high prices, low incomes, and a growing realization of what is only the tip of the socioeconomic iceberg.
A Work in Process or a Much Needed Change? Regulation in the Personal Welfare Services in Israel
Personal welfare services in Israel, like in many other Western countries, are provided through a variety of organizations from different sectors. The current study examines the regulatory patterns of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services.