Minorities as a resource not as a burden: exploring the case of the Bedouins in Israel
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify patterns of development that fit the unique attributes of minorities living in peripheral regions and determine the role of public policy in stimulating such patterns.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a theoretical model is developed for development measures to be considered for minorities living in a peripheral area, the case of the Bedouins in Israel is analyzed, using secondary data, questionnaires, and focus groups.
Findings
The paper finds that economic development among minorities living in a peripheral region could be achieved through the combination of policies at the local, regional, and national levels: support of local economic activities, development of regional activities, and improvement of access to the labor market at the national level.
Research limitations/implications
The Bedouins in Israel present unique cultural attributes that do not necessarily reflect the situation of other minorities in peripheral areas. Consequently, some of the conclusions of this study may not be relevant to other cases.
Practical implications
Public policy should focus on improving education, professional training, infrastructure development, removing barriers, and launching regional economic projects.
Originality/value
This paper suggests an alternative approach to the prevailing policy of social support to retarded regions and populations: using both theory and empirical analysis, it develops an integrative approach at the local, regional, and national level, that would create conditions for healthy and sustainable economic growth.
Keywords
Citation
Bar‐El, R., Malul, M. and Rosenboim, M. (2010), "Minorities as a resource not as a burden: exploring the case of the Bedouins in Israel", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 29 No. 7, pp. 653-668. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610151011074399
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited