Do professional communities enhance the personal and professional well-being of minority women? The case of Ultra-Orthodox women in Israel

Abstract

The labour market in industrialised countries around the world today faces various challenges associated with the 4th Industrial Revolution, specifically three major developments: innovations in technology and science, demographic changes, and social change. Policymakers and employers are required to examine the economy in light of these changes, which are expected to affect the labour market and the level of employment. In this study, we chose to focus on one of the most prominent areas leading to change in the employment market: the social changes and the adoption of new social platform in the employment market. Israeli society is undergoing a significant change with the increasing entrance of members of Ultra-Orthodox society, specifically Ultra-Orthodox women, into the advanced employment market. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine whether and how state-funded professional communities help Ultra-Orthodox women to progress at work and enhance their personal and social well-being. The main themes are based on content analysis of two focus groups that included members of a variety of professional communities, content analysis of correspondence on social networks, and five in-depth interviews with the managers of these groups. The findings are analysed through the lens of positive psychology theory and show that professional communities contribute significantly to five personality strengths of the employed women: positivity, engagement and connectedness, positive relationships, meaning, and success. Additionally, these communities help to cultivate the women's professional talents, contribute to strengthening the relationship between general Israeli society and the Ultra-Orthodox community, and, ultimately, all of these help produce satisfaction at work.