Perspectives of ultra-Orthodox children in Israel on risk and protection: The intersection of culture, religion, spirituality, and socio-political context

This study explores how ultra-Orthodox Jewish children aged 10–16 in Israel understand risk and protection in their own lives. Researchers conducted eight focus groups with 30 children to learn about their perspectives. The children's views of risk and protection fell into four areas: physical, emotional, political, and spiritual. The study shows that religion, culture, spirituality, gender, age and wider socio-political context all shape how children in this community see what keeps them safe or puts them in danger.

Key points

• Children's perceptions of risk and protection encompass physical, emotional, political, and spiritual domains
• Ultra-Orthodox culture, religion, and spirituality are central to how children in this community understand safety
• Gender and age interact with cultural and religious factors to shape children's risk perceptions
• Macro socio-political contexts influence children's construction of risk and protection
• Study involved 30 children (boys and girls) aged 10–16 in eight focus groups

Limitations

The study is based on qualitative data from focus groups and does not quantify how widespread these perceptions are or compare them with children from other communities. It cannot tell us about the actual risks ultra-Orthodox children face or whether their perceptions match objective measures of safety.