The Diverse Impact on Local Democracy - A Comparative Study about Democratisation Processes in Jewish and Arab Communities in Israel

Abstract

The present study analyses the interactions between local government decision-makers, civil organisations, and community activists as a reflection of education decentralisation in Jewish and Arab communities in Israel. Local community involvement constitutes an important process in decentralising public power in both Jewish and Arab communities. Although the Jewish civil society is the majority society, it seems more institutionalised and more persistent than ever before in leading the change processes, and in finding solutions to its needs. On the other hand, community involvement in Arab society is limited, sporadic, and non-institutionalised.