Israeli Election Study, 1973 (ICPSR 2988)

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This study is one in a series of election studies conducted since 1969 by Alan Arian and Michal Shamir that investigated voting patterns, public opinion, and political participation in Israel. This study in particular was conducted during May 1973-January 1974, prior to the elections of the 8th Knesset, and carried out in five phases. Respondents were asked to evaluate their general personal situations and that of Israel, and identify their knowledge of politics, interest and involvement in politics, previous participation in a youth movement, access to media (television, radio, and newspaper) pertaining to political affairs, and factors which would influence voting decisions including the October 1973 Yom Kippur War. Views were also elicited from respondents in regard to the Israeli government including the main problems it faces, a time estimate for resolution, and the development of a peace agreement with the Palestinians to end the Arab-Israeli conflict. Respondents were asked to define and evaluate political parties such as an ideal party, Gahal Party, and Alignment Party, and to evaluate other political parties such as the Labor Party and National Religious Party. In addition, respondents were queried about their knowledge of the new Likud Party and Gahal Party and whether each party, if elected, would bring changes to the government and represent a substitute for the Labor Party. Respondents' opinions were sought in regard to Prime Minister Golda Meir, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Likud Party Chairman Menachem Begin, and Knesset member Ariel Sharon and other political leaders including the city mayor and several combinations of political coalitions. Respondents also gave their level of satisfaction with the elections and government, and their views on social and economic issues, foreign, security, and peace matters (including occupied territories), the positions of political parties (including the opposition), and attributes of political parties and leaders. The survey queried respondents about both the election's and their own personal ability to influence government policy. Questions covered voting intention and history (personal and paternal), the importance of voting in the election versus supporting a particular party, coverage of elections in the media, perception of leaders, the effects of the election campaign, their views on public polls, and their participation in the election. Respondents also identified the role of the Histadrut as a trade union, whether they were members of this organization or a medical insurance plan, and how they received medical treatment. Post-war surveys asked respondents for their opinions about the political parties and candidates and for whom to vote, the influence of the Yom Kippur War on Israel and factors responsible for the changes, and whether the elections should be held on December 31, 1973, or postponed for a length of time. Demographic questions include gender, age, birthplace and education (personal and paternal), marital status, head of household, occupation, employment status and sector, employer, monthly family income, household characteristics, and left-right political self-placement. In addition, respondents were queried about the year they immigrated to Israel, their observation of religious tradition, and whether and how long the husband belonged to the army during the war. Place and date of the interview have only been included in the December 1973 Survey and January 1974 Survey.

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