Introduction to part III

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters in the third part of this book. The part of the book looks at the unprecedented directions and surprising ideas evolving in a large majority of kibbutzim today. It starts with the kibbutz movement's global placement, continues with its new local statutory position in Israel, and describes and analyzes the inventive solutions the kibbutzim are implementing to keep the kibbutz alive. The part analyzes the attempt by kibbutzim to form an international federation of kibbutzim and communes. It describes the formation of the International Communal Studies Association that maintains ties among scholars who study the kibbutz and communal life. The part outlines the discussions, debates, and resulting formal definition of a kibbutz in Israel. It discusses the conflict between acting on one's values and the need to survive economically hinges on the old.