Nearly Half of Ultra-Orthodox Israelis Open to Mixed-Gender Higher Education Classes, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by the Tzfanat Institute for the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and the Planning and Budgeting Committee surveyed 533 graduates of the ultra-Orthodox education system and included about 50 in-depth interviews. The research reveals a significant shift in attitudes within the ultra-Orthodox community regarding gender-segregated higher education. While a majority (87%) still emphasize the importance of separate classes in therapeutic master's programs, nearly half (44%) would consider enrolling in mixed-gender classes if no segregated option were available.
The study found that 69% prefer dedicated programs for the ultra-Orthodox with gender separation. However, when considering personal priorities, only 48% ranked gender separation among their top three factors in choosing a study track, behind quality of professional training (39%) and flexible study hours (28%). The need for gender separation varies by type of instruction: personal clinical supervision is deemed most critical for separation, followed by group supervision, whereas theoretical lectures and research mentorship are seen as less dependent on segregation.
The survey also highlights a growing desire among ultra-Orthodox individuals for advanced education, especially in therapeutic fields. A large majority (83%) are seriously considering advanced studies, with 75% contemplating a master's degree in psychology or art therapy. If all options were available, 61% would choose clinical psychology, 32% art therapy, and only 7% non-academic therapeutic training. Clinical psychology is particularly popular among men (72%) compared to women (42%). Motivations include aspirations for respectable employment, escaping poverty, and values of charity and mission.
The lead researchers, Ben Shalom Cohen, Dr. Moti Talias, and Prof. Israel Katz, recommend against expanding gender segregation in therapeutic master's programs. They argue that the risks outweigh the benefits and that the added value of segregation is unclear. Instead, they suggest integrating ultra-Orthodox students into existing general programs with comprehensive, funded support frameworks rather than creating separate gender-segregated tracks that duplicate resources unnecessarily.
