Abstract

This study examines the influence of the withdrawal of the welfare state in Israel on the educational system using an approach from the realm of public policy—new institutionalism. This approach focuses on an analysis of institutions as a key explanation of policy-making. Using Hacker’s patterns of drift, conversion and exhaustion, we analyze the institutional processes that have occurred in the Israeli educational system in the last two decades, explaining the preference for incremental changes in the face of the deficiencies and obstructions built into the educational system, over far-reaching reform. The study makes an additional contribution by highlighting the role that the retrenchment of the welfare state plays in this process. Utilizing an approach from public policy rather than pedagogy provides a better explanation for the failure of attempts at widespread reform in the Israeli educational system.