The media capabilities of Druze women in Israel

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines for the first time the participation and representation of Druze women in the mainstream Israeli media, and how this potentially affects their media capabilities. Though characterized by a double marginalization of gender and ethno-racial identity, the media portrayals of this unique population have not been previously examined. To answer this paucity, this study employs a qualitative thematic analysis of all of the relevant media content published in the past decade in two mainstream Israeli media venues. Findings suggest that contrary to other ethno-racial minorities, the Israeli media mostly enables Druze women’s media capabilities. This study contributes to a better understanding of the media’s role in society, especially regarding the media capabilities of marginalized populations, and for the first time, reveals the media resource enabled to Druze women in Israel.