Labour division and family cohesion among Bedouin flock raiser households in scattered rural settlements in the Negev desert, southern Israel

There are approximately 8,000 Bedouin families living in scattered rural settlements (also known as spontaneous hamlets) in the Negev desert, southern Israel, and about a thousand of these raise sheep and goats for their livelihood. These families are considered to be on the economic margins of Israeli society, in that analyses of Bedouin flock raising have shown marginal profitability and even losses. Why then do these families continue raising sheep and goats? The aim of this study was to examine the reasons for the maintenance of the flocks, focusing on genealogical and labour division issues. Data were collected using participant observation and structured interviews from 24 families living in such scattered settlements and raising flocks. Flocks were divided into small, medium and large, with 8 flocks in each group. Results showed a clear division of labour tasks related to the flock between sexes and among generations. The flock functioned as a cohesive factor among family members due to the mutual work and responsibility to the flock imposed on each family member. Reciprocal commitment and loyalty among family members was strengthened as a consequence of the division of flock ownership among them.