Alternative modalities of help within socio-political and ethnic minorities: Self-help among Arabs living in Israel

The present paper deals with alternative modalities of help within socio-political and ethnic minorities. It explores the phenomenon of self-help as one modality of help within the Arab population living in Israel. The analysis is based on four research studies, which incorporate the perspectives of lay people, professionals, self-help group members, and students in the helping professions, regarding definitional issues associated with the concept of self-help and attitudes toward such a modality of help. Findings obtained from the four studies reported here suggest that a natural fit exists between the Arab culture and such a helping modality as self-help organizations. Based on the findings, practical recommendations are outlined for use in the area of social work with socio-political and ethnic minorities.