Introduction to Part I

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters in the first part of this book. The part of the book deals with changing kibbutz elites and shows that changes in the kibbutz supported the formation of new social relations including distinctive elites. It examines the new elites which composed mainly of technocrats and people with advanced degrees. Throughout the history of the kibbutz, "the female member problem" has persisted unresolved. The part describes the kibbutz at its peak period, its slow descent from the peak, and its new slow ascent. It discusses that the level of spousal interdependence is affected by the organizational and economic arrangements prevailing in their community. The part shows how the kibbutz changed from an ideologically driven community to a "regular" village. It concludes with three developmental stages of a large kibbutz that symbolizes many other kibbutzim.