Agency of preservation or change: ultra-Orthodox educated women in the field of employment

ABSTRACT

Within the last two decades, significant changes have been taking place in ultra-Orthodox society in Israel regarding higher education and entry into the workforce. This study examines the socio-religious identity of educated ultra-Orthodox women in light of their entry into the workforce. Findings show that although these women are leading a process of academic and occupational changes in the ultra-Orthodox community, they actually function as agents of preservation, and attest to a rise in their level of religiosity, despite the changes in their lives. Most of them continue to maintain the core values of Ultra-Orthodox society, especially the ideal of a ‘society of scholars’. They do reveal some openness towards the world, but in a limited and controlled manner.