Israel's Dual Identity: A Comparative Analysis of Ethnic Democracy and Egalitarian Pluralism
Journal Title: International Journal of Social Science And Human Research - Year 2025, Vol 8, Issue 01
Abstract
This research examines the tension of Israel's dual identity as a Jewish and democratic state through the frameworks of ethnic democracy articulated by Sammy Smooha and egalitarian pluralism proposed by Gila Stopler. Ethnic democracy prioritizes the preservation of Jewish identity, allowing the Jewish majority to dominate political, economic, and cultural life while providing limited rights to minority groups. In contrast, egalitarian pluralism advocates for structural reforms to promote equality, enhance minority rights, and reduce the influence of religious authority, seeking to reconcile Israel’s Jewish character with universal democratic principles. The study employs a comparative analysis of these models, incorporating thematic exploration, case studies, and interpretive inquiry to assess their theoretical foundations, practical applications, and societal implications. Findings reveal that ethnic democracy emphasizes stability and national cohesion at the expense of total inclusivity. At the same time, egalitarian pluralism offers a transformative vision that prioritizes justice and equality but challenges traditional notions of Jewish statehood. The research concludes that the future of Israeli society depends on navigating the inherent tensions between identity and democracy. Ethnic democracy reflects the status quo, while egalitarian pluralism promotes greater inclusivity. These frameworks illuminate broader governance, diversity, and justice debates in ethnically divided societies.
Authors and Affiliations
Yaron Katz
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP754873
- DOI 10.47191/ijsshr/v8-i1-20
- Views 8
- Downloads 0
Content Validity Analysis of the PISA-Science Literacy Test for SMP Unismuh Makassar Students on the Topic of Optical Instruments
This research aims to analyse the content validity of the PISA-science literacy test on the topic of optical instruments. The design of this test aims to measure the scientific literacy abilities of eighth grade students...
Investigating English Language Teachers’ Experiences of Online Teaching During COVID-19 Pandemic
This study aims to analyze 93 English language teaching faculty members’ perspectives of online teaching at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study was to collect evaluative responses on onl...
Faith Culture of Thanh Hoa Coast Residents (A Study in Vietnam)
Thanh Hoa has a coastline of 102km, passing through districts from Nga Son, Hau Loc, Hoang Hoa, Sam Son, Quang Xuong to Nghi Son. Along the coast are the mouths of Hoat river, Ma river, Yen river, Lach Truong, Cu Nham, L...
Implementation of Bail-In in Facing Bank Indonesia's Liquidity Assistance Deficit (BLBI)
The banking crisis that occurred in 1997-1998 prompted the government to distribute Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) as a measure to stabilize the economy. BLBI has a legal basis that refers to Law Number 13 of...
Interfaith Marriage in Indonesia in the Perspective of Margin of Appreciation Doctrine
This study aims to show whether the rejection of interfaith marriage in Indonesia can be accepted by the margin of appreciation doctrine. The research method uses doctrinal research by examining Indonesian marriage law p...