Traditional healing, higher education, autonomy and hardship: coping paths of Palestinian women in Israel

Abstract

This article presents two coping paths available to Palestinian women in Israel today – turning to a traditional healer in the community, an act that represents turning ‘inwards’, and pursuing higher education, an act that represents turning ‘outwards’. These two paths enable coping – particularly in times of societal transition – and provide opportunities for the women who utilize them. On the other hand, each of these paths is laden with unique challenges and the women who take them must often pay a price. Despite the differences between them, the article reflects the similar ramifications of these coping paths on the women's lives.