Aggression and violence among Jewish and Arab Youth in Israel

Abstract

This study compared attitudes and behaviors reflecting aggression and violence among Israeli Jewish and Arab youths in relation to their experience of aggression and violence in their families, neighborhoods and schools. The sample consisted of 865 Israeli Jewish and Arab youths. Seven scales from among the battery of instruments of a longitudinal national study on attitudes of Israeli youth were used. The results indicated both nationality and gender differences. On the one hand, Arab teachers and parents were more aggressive than their Jewish counterparts. On the other hand, despite the attitudes of Arab youth that support aggression and justify parents hitting their children, the Jewish youths were more aggressive and violent. Males were found to be more violent than females. Results are interpreted in light of the effect of modern and traditional cultures on attitudes and behavior, and possible victimization of minority groups by the justice system.