Academic and institutional barriers facing Arab-Bedouin female students in Israeli higher education

The Role of Campus Environment and Discrimination

Bibliographic Data

ID2998904
AuthorsAref Abu-Gweder (Kaye Academic College of Education, Achva Academic College), Aref Abu‐Gweder (0000-0002-2050-2150, Kaye Academic College of Education, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume31
Issue5
Pages637-650
Publication date2025-09-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Identities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1350-4630 • E-ISSN: 1363-0296
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13504630.2025.2505600
OpenAlexW4410522473
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited27

This study explores the academic and institutional challenges faced by Arab-Bedouin female students in Israeli higher education, with a specific focus on those enrolled in teacher education programs. These students often choose this field due to its proximity to home, cultural compatibility with traditional Arab-Bedouin society, and the perceived social legitimacy of the teaching profession for women in their communities. The research was motivated by growing concerns over inequality and the marginalization of minority groups in academic institutions.The study employed qualitative methods, conducting semi-structured interviews with 30 students aged 20–25, including both first – and second-generation university attendees.The findings reveal that higher education institutions often fail to adequately accommodate students for whom Hebrew is a second language. Participants reported difficulties in understanding communication from academic staff, including admissions personnel and department heads. They also felt marginalized, especially in access to essential services like scholarship information and social support. The absence of culturally relevant activities further deepened their sense of exclusion. Many students described facing discriminatory attitudes, leading to reduced class participation and lower academic performance compared to their Jewish peers.The study underscores the need for more inclusive and culturally responsive institutional practices to improve the academic integration and success of Arab-Bedouin women in higher education

Higher education · Media studies · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Law · Socioeconomic Development in MENA

Tools

Open DOI