Rethinking Parenthood: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (2025-2028)

Our research group conducts interdisciplinary research on parenthood across historical periods, cultures, and societies. Our work examines how parenthood—as both a personal experience and societal institution—has been shaped by cultural, economic, religious, and political forces throughout history. Through a collaborative approach, we explore historical evolutions and contemporary manifestations of parenthood from medieval times to the present, investigating its intersection with religion, state authority, and social institutions. Our research particularly focuses on how cultural and economic changes influence family structures, while examining the legal frameworks and emotional dimensions that shape parent-child relationships across different contexts.

Our group members pursue diverse yet interconnected research streams that together provide a comprehensive view of parenthood across time and culture. Oded Zinger examines family dynamics in medieval Islamic Mediterranean communities through Geniza documents uncovering complex patterns of familial relationships and societal pressures. Sivan Balslev's work analyzes the transformation of parenting roles in modern Iran from the late 19th century through the Pahlavi era, documenting how nationalist movements and societal changes reshaped family structures. Michal Frenkel investigates parenthood across contemporary Israeli society, comparing practices and experiences among secular, modern orthodox, and ultraorthodox/Haredi Jewish communities. Yael Rimer-Cohen studies the impact of welfare laws on marginalized families and non-traditional living arrangements, exploring how legal frameworks influence family dynamics in modern Israel.

Our three-year research agenda approaches parenthood through distinct but interrelated themes. The first year will focus on "Stages of Life," developing a cross-cultural framework for understanding parenthood from conception to death. This foundation allows us to examine how different societies conceptualize and experience parenthood. In our second year, we will explore the complex relationships between parenthood, religion, and state authority, examining how these institutions shape and influence parental roles across different cultures and historical contexts. Our third year will address parenthood during periods of crisis and transformation, analyzing how social, political, and economic upheavals affect family structures and parenting practices.

Our research group aims to contribute to both academic discourse and public understanding of parenthood's evolving nature. Our findings can inform contemporary debates on family policy, welfare systems, and social support structures. Through our interdisciplinary approach, combining historical analysis, sociological research, legal studies, and cultural investigation, we provide comprehensive insights into one of humanity's most fundamental institutions. By understanding how parenthood has adapted to changing circumstances throughout history, we aim to better comprehend its present challenges and future possibilities.

We will actively engage with the international academic community through workshops, conferences, and collaborative projects. Our work aims to bridge theoretical research with practical applications, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in related fields. 

Research Team:

• Dr. Sivan Balslev, Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
• Prof. Michal Frenkel, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
• Dr. Yael Rimer-Cohen, The Faculty of Law
• Dr. Oded Zinger, Department of Jewish History and Contemporary Jewry

"Rethinking Parenthood: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives" Full Research Proposal