Children's Perspectives on Risk, Agency and Protection among Various Cultural Groups in Israel

The first presentation is based on a large-scale mix- methods national research project titled: "Young Children's Perspectives of Risk and Protection: A Context Informed Study. This study explore young children’s (age 3-6) perspectives of risk and protection. Two communities will be included at the first presentation. Children to immigrant families from the Former Soviet Union to Israel (n=30) and children to Ultra Orthodox Jewish families reside in a village (n=30), and in Jerusalem neighborhoods, (n=30). Data were collected using multi-child-friendly methods i.e., photography, children’s drawings and interviews and thematically analyzed.

The results from diverse communities enable us to explore how various contexts shape and give meaning to children’s perspectives.

Among the immigrant young participants a strong evidences of agency resources and resilience were found despite experienced filial responsibilities within the family. Children expressed sense of responsibility, self-efficacy and ability to manage risk situations.

Ultra-Orthodox children demonstrated concrete objects from their daily environments as contributing to risk and safety. Others referred to elements related to the divine or to adherence to religious laws. Children views contribute to parental definition of spiritual risk. Various circles of belonging as individuals as part of an Orthodox community in a village and as children per se, were reflected in these perceptions.

The presentation will include a discussion regarding children views of the “other” and their perspectives of their community and country. It will end with implication for research and practice.