“I'm all there for her”: Perspectives of Arab mothers in Israel on mother–daughter relationships in young adulthood

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to explore how Arab mothers in Israel perceive their intergenerational relationships with young adult daughters within the sociocultural context of Arab society and their intersecting marginalized positions as women and ethnic minority members.

Background

Intergenerational relationships among ethnic minorities are shaped by cultural, social, and religious contexts. This study is among the first to highlight Arab mothers' voices in Israel, expanding the largely Western-focused literature. It draws on intergenerational solidarity and intersectional marginality frameworks.

Method

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 Arab mothers of young adult daughters recruited through social media and snowball sampling.

Results

Two main themes emerged: (a) self-perceptions of motherhood: responsibility for educational and religious values and allowing decision-making space; and (b) collaborative dialogue: emotional support, mutual understanding, and negotiation of disagreement.

Conclusion

Mother–daughter relations in Arab society reflect cultural and religious values that stress achievement and family reputation. Mothers combine supervisory and supportive roles, blending control with emotional closeness, whereas solidarity emerges within marginality.

Implications

Practitioners should acknowledge mothers' complex roles balancing tradition, autonomy, and faith. Culturally sensitive interventions can promote empowerment, emotional well-being, and agency within these intergenerational contexts.