Abstract
This chapter is based on two qualitative studies that examine perceptions of risk and protection for child development. The first study was conducted with 33 Bedouin mothers from unrecognized villages (UVs) in the Naqab, while the second one was conducted with 15 social workers (SWs) who work with Bedouin families in the UVs. Data was collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The comparative study highlights the importance of giving voice to the voiceless and learning from mothers (as service users) and SWs (as service providers) from within marginalized and oppressed societies to bridge the gap between culture and practice. The comparative study indicated similarities and differences between the perceptions of both groups regarding risks to child development and coping mechanisms. It yielded four categories: the immediate physical environment, parental competence, socio-cultural risks, and socio-political risks. It seems that SWs are in-tune with the social, cultural and political reality that mothers experience. However, the findings also point to gaps and tension between the perceptions of SWs and mothers about responsibility for risk and its prevention. Understanding the Bedouin mothers’ perceptions through the lens of intersectionality helps professionals see the complex reality without generalizing. Parental perceptions can help in understanding the unique variables and inform both the training of professionals and culturally sensitive intervention programs. In doing so, we can bring awareness and potential for social justice advocacy and expand and deepen its impact. This study highlights the impact of the historical and socio-political effects and the contribution of the concept of intersectionality and a context-informed perspective as promising and challenging frameworks for the study of marginal populations.
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Marey-Sarwan, I., Meir, G. (2020). Parental and Professional Perspectives of Child Risk and Protection in Unrecognized Bedouin Villages in the Naqab: An Intersectionality-Informed Approach. In: Roer-Strier, D., Nadan, Y. (eds) Context-Informed Perspectives of Child Risk and Protection in Israel. Child Maltreatment, vol 10. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44278-1_9
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