The sociology of language and the sociology of communication are well-established fields in Israeli sociology, but it is only recently that their departments have grown vigorously in Israel's various universities. They are long-standing, respected disciplines in international sociology, as is evidenced by their academic associations and the reputation of their specialized journals. Language and Communication in Israel, the ninth volume of the Studies of Israeli Society series, presents a broad range of the various approaches and questions that preoccupy Israel's sociologists of language and communication.

The collection starts with studies that focus on the presence of language and communication in daily life. Subsequent chapters analyze the relation of language and communication to social and cultural pluralism. Also included is a study of linguistic and communication aspects of politics and elections. A special chapter consists of an examination of the role of language and communication in the Israeli-Arab conflict and an analysis of the intermingling of mass media and the state.

In their introduction, the editors discuss each of the chapters under the guidance of a key question, namely, the significance of the studies presented for the profile of the Israeli society, on the one hand, and of the Israeli scholarship of these fields, on the other. Two concluding chapters are also included in this landmark volume, one by Joshua A. Fishman and one by Elihu Katz. Each author emphasizes what he thinks is of major importance to the future of the sociology of language and the sociology of communication. Language and Communication in Israel is an enlightening study of two growing fields. It is essential reading for scholars of linguistics and communications as well as for sociologists and Israeli studies specialists. Hanna Herzog is associate professor in the department of sociology at Tel-Aviv University. She is the author of Political Ethnicity, Contest of Symbols, Realistic Women, and Gendering Politics.

A comparative look at how discrimination is experienced by stigmatized groups in the United States, Brazil, and Israel Racism is a common occurrence for members of marginalized groups around the world. Getting Respect illuminates their experiences by comparing three countries with enduring group boundaries: the United States, Brazil and Israel. The authors delve into what kinds of stigmatizing or discriminatory incidents individuals encounter in each country, how they respond to these occurrences, and what they view as the best strategy-whether individually, collectively, through confrontation, or through self-improvement-for dealing with such events. This deeply collaborative and integrated study draws on more than four hundred in-depth interviews with middle- and working-class men and women residing in and around multiethnic cities-New York City, Rio de Janeiro, and Tel Aviv-to compare the discriminatory experiences of African Americans, black Brazilians, and Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel, as well as Israeli Ethiopian Jews and Mizrahi (Sephardic) Jews. Detailed analysis reveals significant differences in group behavior: Arab Palestinians frequently remain silent due to resignation and cynicism while black Brazilians see more stigmatization by class than by race, and African Americans confront situations with less hesitation than do Ethiopian Jews and Mizrahim, who tend to downplay their exclusion. The authors account for these patterns by considering the extent to which each group is actually a group, the sociohistorical context of intergroup conflict, and the national ideologies and other cultural repertoires that group members rely on. Getting Respect is a rich and daring book that opens many new perspectives into, and sets a new global agenda for, the comparative analysis of race and ethnicity.

What are the cultural and structural mechanisms that exclude women from politics in general and from local politics in particular? What meaning is ascribed to women's political activity?
"Gendering Politics" explores the place of women in democratic politics by means of a detailed study of women in Israeli politics who were elected to municipal councils from 1950 to 1989. Drawing from a variety of sources, including questionnaires, interviews, newspaper coverage, and existing statistical data, as well as examinations of studies of the role of women in politics in other democracies, Herzog analyzes the extent of success and failure of women in Israeli elections. She then explores reasons why female participation in Israeli politics has been relatively slight, despite historical precedents and social circumstances that would indicate otherwise.
The author examines the gendered bias of the power structure as it is shaped by basic cultural organizing principles. She exposes hidden assumptions--and notes the overt assumptions--which by definition exclude women from politics. The author also looks at the structure of opportunities within the prevailing political system, uncovering the relevant blocking and facilitating elements.
"Gendering Politics" will be of interest to students and scholars of women's studies, Israeli studies, political sociology, and political science.
Hanna Herzog is Associate Professor of Sociology, Tel Aviv University.