By A.M. Goldstein

HAIFA —The kibbutz still constitutes Israel ’s work ethic “nature preserve.”

A study conducted at the University of Haifa shows that as kibbutz members grow older, work occupies a more and more important place in their lives.  This is in contrast to the general population, for which work loses its central value as workers grow older.

The centrality of work for kibbutz members over 50 is also greater than for younger members, according to Yifat Silber, who conducted the study under the guidance of Prof. Yitzhak Harpaz. 

She also found that 83.7% of kibbutz members over the age of 60 wanted to continue working even when there was no economic necessity to do so.

The researcher pointed out that these findings contrast with earlier studies showing a downward trend in the central place of work among those age 50 and over.  Those studies also showed a growing unwillingness of people to work if they didn’t need the money as they came closer to retirement age, which until recently was 65 in Israel (now being increased to 68).

Silber, a graduate student in the Dept. of Sociology at the University of Haifa , surveyed 367 kibbutz members in different regions of the country for her study.  “In kibbutz society,” she remarked, “the idea of retiring and being pensioned off still has not taken root.  Kibbutz members feel they must continue to work at any cost, under any condition, because this conforms to kibbutz norms. 

“Retirement in the eyes of older kibbutz members is seen as conflicting with kibbutz values, which is grounded in activity, involvement, and contributing to the kibbutz.”

Because the kibbutz has in recent years taken on marketplace-like norms, including forced retirement at the accepted age, Silber advises kibbutz human resource personnel to pay attention to her study.

“They should plan the retirement process for older members.  Like giving workshops on the subject,” she advises.  “At the same time, they should look for alternatives to employment, such as volunteering.  This would respond to these members’ need for work even if they don’t need a livelihood after retirement.”

A.M. Goldstein is the English language editor for the University of Haifa's Department of External Affairs.