Changes in the Structure of the Family: Data, Trends, and Implications

Over the years, the concept of family has become more amorphous, and its boundaries have been undermined and become more dynamic, resulting in the emergence of postmodern family models. Although family structure in Israel is much more stable than in other developed countries and is much more similar to the traditional family unit, it too has undergone significant changes in recent decades.

This document presents updated data on the structure of the Israeli family. It follows up on a previous document published in 2021 at the request of the Senior Department of Research, Planning and Training at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. The document examines major trends in the structure of the Israeli family to provide information on these trends and on issues arising from them that require preparation by the social services and adaptations of their activities.

The sources of the data are publications and surveys of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the Israel Democracy Institute’s Yearbook of Ultra-Orthodox Society, the National Insurance Institute’s poverty and inequality reports, publications by the OECD, and data from the European Social Survey (ESS).

The data indicate postponement of first marriage and parenthood, reduction in the overall fertility rate and the stability of marriage, and an increased frequency of new-model families and non-family or childless households. These trends affect all population groups to one degree or another, yet group differences remain significant. The changes in family structure require attention by the social services, among other things, to adopt an up-to-date concept of the family unit, adjust the training for employees providing family services, and focus greater attention on groups liable to be particularly affected by these changes.