Intersectionality at the Front Lines: The Dynamics of Public Image for Palestinian Female Social Workers

_{Background and Purpose: This study critically explores the perceived public image of Palestinian Female Social Workers (PFSWs) in Israel and its impacts on their professional experiences, utilizing intersectionality theory. The core aim is to delve deeper into understanding how the intersection of gender, ethnicity, and professional identity influence the experiences of these social workers. This is within a societal framework marked by systemic marginalization and community ties. It investigates how these identities intersect to affect social workers' roles and effectiveness within their communities. It reveals the challenges they face as women belonging to a national minority in a conflicted socio-political environment.}

_{Methods: Employing qualitative research methodologies, this study conducted thirty semi-structured interviews with PFSWs working in various social services across Palestinian communities in Israel. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling to encompass diverse representation across age, religious backgrounds, and years of experience. The interview data were rigorously analyzed using Corbin and Strauss’s (1990) grounded theory approach, which involved open, axial, and selective coding. This comprehensive methodological approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of the intersectional identities and experiences of the participants, highlighting the specific impacts of societal attitudes on their professional practice and public perception.}

_{Results: The analysis revealed three significant themes: (1) Subordination to Family-Community Ties in which social workers’ professional autonomy is frequently compromised by expectations and pressures from familial and community networks, which often view their professional activities through community norms and values; (2) Intersectional Otherness, which emphasizes the unique challenges posed by the overlapping identities of being Palestinian, female, and a social worker, resulting in feelings of otherness and exclusion within their own communities and the broader Israeli society; and (3) Neglected Professionalism, in which PFSWs are perceived as being less legitimate or competent professionals, which results in a loss of public trust and safety concerns. These themes underscore the profound impact of societal perceptions on PFSWs' professional efficacy and personal well-being.}

_{Conclusion and Implications: The study emphasizes the critical need for policy interventions aimed at improving the public image and working conditions of PFSWs to enhance their professional legitimacy and safety. It suggests that empowering PFSWs through improved societal recognition and support could significantly alter their occupational landscape. Furthermore, the findings advocate for an expansion of intersectionality-based training and resources within social work education and practice fields in Israel. This could potentially mitigate some of the negative impacts of the identified themes and foster a more inclusive and effective social service environment. Enhanced training programs and continuous professional development could equip PFSWs with the tools to better manage the challenges posed by their complex social identities and improve their ability to advocate for their clients effectively. Strengthening the professional identity and public image of PFSWs not only benefits the workers themselves but also enhances the quality of social services provided to the community. The results of this study highlight the importance of expanding the demographic scope of future studies to include a wider range of ethnicities and professional contexts.}