‘It's not a genuine elite’: partial habitus of advantage among Palestinian graduates of elite schools in Israel

Abstract

ABSTRACT Within the marginalized Palestinian minority in Israel, a small elite has emerged; they are uniquely challenged as elite within their national group yet marginalized as citizens of the Jewish state. Through the perspectives of an elite private high school in Northern Israel, this qualitative study sought to elucidate this complicated reality. We asked graduates how they integrate their school experiences into their life narratives, understand and negotiate their elite identity in higher education and at work. We also wanted to know how their elite and minority national identities intersect and mutually influence each other. Similar to others' findings, their elite education facilitated academic distinction and distinguished careers. Yet, despite accomplishments, they view success primarily as an individual achievement, with limited collective impact. Their elite status is only partially realized due to constraints in translating privileges into broader action. Our research contributes to debates regarding elite education and stigmatized minority status.