Acculturation and Perceived Discrimination: The Case of Israeli Arabs

Minoritized communities are often expected to integrate into the majority culture. In theory, acculturation, like local education and language-learning, benefits these communities. However, recent studies suggest it also increases their awareness of discrimination. This study examines the effect of language acquisition and education on perceived discrimination among Muslim and Arab Israelis using three survey studies from 2014 to 2022. In general, Muslim Arab Israelis are more likely to report discrimination than non-Muslim Arab Israelis. Those who speak Hebrew are less likely to report generalized discrimination against Muslims, but they are more likely to identify with a group experiencing ethnic or racial discrimination in Israel. This study thus extends the research on perceived discrimination and assimilation to a new cultural context and contributes to the literature on comparative race and ethnic politics. In this case, linguistic capacity nuances awareness of discrimination.

Automated summary

This study examines the impact of language acquisition and education on perceived discrimination among Muslim and Arab Israelis. The findings suggest that while Hebrew-speaking individuals are less likely to report generalized discrimination against Muslims, they are more likely to identify with a group experiencing ethnic or racial discrimination in Israel. The study expands the research on perceived discrimination and assimilation to a new cultural context and contributes to the literature on comparative race and ethnic politics.