Young Ultra-Orthodox Men’s Experiences in Stepfamilies of Divorced Parents

Abstract

The life experiences of members of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) stepfamilies have yet to be investigated. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the role of culture-related traits and religious beliefs in the life experiences of young Haredi men who live with remarried parents. I conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 14 ultra-Orthodox male young adults as part of a larger study among Israeli Haredi young men. The findings, which were classified according to the five ecological systems of Bronfenbrenner’s theory, refer to halakhic practices and culture-related issues. These, in turn, point to the significance of the ecological systems in the life experiences of young Haredi men raised and still living in stepfamilies. The results are discussed with emphasis on their implications for future research, theory development, and practice.

Keywords:

• ecological systems theory
• remarriage
• stepfamilies
• ultra-orthodox society

Additional information

Funding

This study has been partially funded by Ben Zvi Foundation and Ralph Goldman Center of Social Welfare, Judaism and Ethics.