A forum of their own: views about the Internet among ultra-Orthodox Jewish women who browse designated closed fora

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11 April 2011The paper studies attitudes towards and perceptions of the Internet by ultra–Orthodox women who are members of closed online forums. The forums constitute a unique environment for ultra–Orthodox women, where they can talk amongst themselves anonymously on issues that may be illegitimate in their community.

Findings show that the ultra–Orthodox women who browse closed designated forums view the Internet as constructive and empowering, but also as a challenge to the ultra–Orthodox lifestyle. They acknowledge that the rabbis allow using the Internet only for work–related purposes from the workplace and not from home, and yet they formed online relationships, especially with other ultra–Orthodox women.

The findings demonstrate a sense of ambivalence among the ultra–Orthodox women about the Internet. As independent women living in communities with strict supervision and enforcement patterns, they want to continue and be a part of the ultra–Orthodox community, and yet maintain a site, i.e., a forum, of their own.

Publication typeJournal Article
Publisher TypeAPO Member, Journal
CoverageAustralia
Permanent URLhttp://apo.org.au/node/24528
Views5731

Related Topics

Communication

Internet

Women

Social Policy

Creative & Digital

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