מיניות לא מובחנת" בקרב נערות ": שיח ופרקטיקה של עובדות סוציאליות

Background: According to the social work regulations of the Israel Ministry of Welfare and Social Services, “indiscriminate sexual behavior" is one of the characteristics of disadvantaged girls.Despite the common use of this term in social work in Israel, little theoretical and empirical attention has been given to it.Aim: Based on a critical feminist perspective, the aim of this research was to analyze the use of the term “indiscriminate sexual behavior" by social workers in Israel.Methods: Semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted with 30 social workers who work with girls. Additionally, we analyzed 18 reports written by these social workers. The data was analyzed using both thematic and critical discourse analysis tools.Findings: The findings illustrate that although the social workers' reports associated “indiscriminate sexual behavior” with sexual abuse, it was often perceived as an aspect of the girls’ pathology.Specifically, the term is used to describe non-monogamous sexual behavior and what is perceived as seductive sexual behavior, especially with regard to girls of young age. This terminology is associated with individual interventions aimed at changing girls' behavior, and in some cases the use of legal procedures and placement in residential homes.Conclusions and implications for practice: This research contributes to the critical theory that seeks to identify the power relations at the base of professional discourse in order to promote reflection processes among professionals and raise awareness of the complexity of their attitude towards girls' sexuality.