The Structural Change Proposal in the Israeli Schools: Conflict and Conquest

A conflict of interests between two groups of educationists over proposed legislation for a school structural change is examined. Compromise is not achieved and evidence shows that the party which possessed more political power eliminated the threat of the other party. The process of conflict resolution is shown to reflect both a continuous utilization by the parties of legitimate influence and a gradually increasing use of illegitimate influence. Evidence also suggests that both parties adhered to the principle of minimization of waste of influence resources. A brief discussion of governmental organization for education in Israel precedes this case in educational politics. Hypotheses based on the work of Iannacconne and related to administrative and political influences of the parties to the conflict arc stated. A cross cultural dimension is added along certain theoretical constructs by comparing state politics of education in Israel and in one American State.