Shifting paradigms: from fostering equality to building safety nets. Analyzing some consequences of “privatization” in the Israeli kibbutz

As a result of a financial and demographic crisis, the Israeli kibbutz is experiencing a period of transformation. Many kibbutzim (kibbutzim is the plural form of “kibbutz” Hebrew) have abandoned the classic egalitarian way of life and have adopted a new paradigm in which each member receives a different income. This transformation process makes the kibbutz a unique test case for the preferences of people who face the choice between equality, capitalism or an in-between combination. This study uses data on a small sample of kibbutzim that have recently adopted a safety net model to derive some implications of this fundamental transformation for the income distribution within- and between kibbutzim. The results show that there is no longer equality between kibbutz members. However, the new kibbutz manages to minimize poverty. The new structure also encourages kibbutz’ female members to study and work towards greater equality in income and jobs.