Social worker perspectives on marriage and parenting among Muslim men with intellectual disabilities in Israel

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Social workers play a central role in service delivery for parents with intellectual disability (ID). Within Israeli Muslim society, men with ID are likely to marry non-disabled women and create families. This study adds to scarce research on how social workers view these families, and how they might better serve their needs. Method: A thematic analysis was conducted on nineteen semi-structured interviews with social workers. Results: Family characteristics are described. Findings illustrate the complicated position of the Israeli Arab Muslim social workers in balancing patriarchal and traditional cultural values against professional values such as social justice and equality. Although personally opposed to these marriages, they feel that they are unable to act against either their professional ethics or social boundaries. Conclusions: Social workers should be trained to support their clients’ transition to marriage and parenthood. Policy makers should promote support services for non-disabled wives of husbands with ID.