The Implications of Group Participation on Israeli-Arabs Community Politics

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2022 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 9 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2022

Authors : Yaron Katz

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V9I3P103

How to Cite?

Yaron Katz, "The Implications of Group Participation on Israeli-Arabs Community Politics," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 9,  no. 3, pp. 12-17, 2022. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V9I3P103

Abstract:

This paper examines the social structure of the Arab community in Israel and the impact of their social identity on voter turnout. It is argued that their participation in the political process is based on collective identity concerns while voting by incorporating group behavior translated into political choices. The study uses the case of Israeli Arabs to analyze the implications of group participation and a sense of community in their voting behavior and parliamentary politics. Through studying the situation in the Arab society in Israel, this essay argues that collective self-determination can be realized with voting in the political system. Participation in the elections serves special functions of the Arab population and its leaders, which should be understood in light of the complex citizenship relations with the state and the Jewish majority. Group vote demonstrates the continuing relevance of identity and community politics among Israeli Arab voters, reflecting their growing alienation from a political system that structurally excludes them from political influence. But despite being a large and potentially influential minority representing 20% of the general population, their limited electoral strength is due almost entirely to low voter turnout. This can be explained in traditional Arab politics, which adopted a tendency of strategies of radicalization and confrontation with the state. In contrast, recent changes in Arab politics seek to expand the meaning of citizenship beyond liberal limits and adapt it to new conditions to meet the minority's expectations of equal citizenship. The main issue investigated here is if these changes would increase voter turnout and expand their political impact or lead to further integration in the general society and lesser impact on community Arab politics.

Keywords:

Identity, Community, Arab-Israeli, Israel, Election.

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