Research Focus 

Social science reveals complex mechanisms through which community norms shape individual behavior and govern social dynamics. My program of research aims to investigate how these norms function within closed communities and the psychological consequences when individuals or groups deviate from established expectations. I am particularly interested in examining cases of norm deviation within the ultra-Orthodox community, including men who enlist in the military, individuals who adopt non-conforming dress or behaviors, and youth who exit traditional educational frameworks. Through pioneering field studies in ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel and the Satmar community in the United States, I explore the psychological impact of crossing communal boundaries and how such experiences reshape perceptions of community membership. My work seeks to identify the flexible boundaries that might facilitate social change while maintaining community cohesion, informing potential policy interventions that respect 
cultural sensitivities.

Power relations serve as a central mechanism in shaping social order and maintaining social structures over time. My research program focuses on two key aspects of power relations: gender and poverty. In the gender aspect, I investigate paradoxical cases where women hold significant economic power yet social norms continue to maintain traditional power gaps. The ultra-Orthodox community represents a fascinating case study, as unlike the broader Western society, ultra-Orthodox women are the primary breadwinners in many families, while men dedicate their time to Torah study. Nevertheless, the social structure and gender norms remain highly traditional. Comparative research across countries such as Spain, France, the United States, and Israel – with varying rankings in the Global Gender Gap Index – allows me to examine how different cultural, economic, and social contexts influence the dynamics of gender power. In the poverty aspect, I explore how economic hardship affects personal and collective identity, and how different communities develop unique support mechanisms in response to poverty conditions. The ultra-Orthodox society, which faces high poverty rates, offers an important case study for understanding the complex relationships between economic, religious, and social structures. My work seeks to uncover the subtle mechanisms through which power is produced, preserved, and challenged, and to propose new theoretical frameworks for understanding processes of social change.

Perceptions and meta-perceptions – what we think others think about us – significantly shape relationships between social groups. My research program examines how these meta-perceptions influence intergroup relations, particularly in the context of secular-Orthodox relations in Israel. I am especially interested in how media consumption patterns affect these meta-perceptions, investigating how exposure to diverse information sources can moderate extreme views and reduce mutual dehumanization. In collaboration with Gesher organization, I developed and evaluated field interventions in 41 schools, where secular students engaged with Orthodox representatives. Research findings show that these structured encounters reduce conflict and increase openness toward the other. My work aims to develop practical tools for reducing social tensions and promoting mutual understanding between groups with 
different identities.

Public opinion surveys in ultra-Orthodox communities provide a unique opportunity to understand attitudes and values in a relatively closed society. As a pioneering ultra-Orthodox researcher in academia, I was among the founders of the first research institute for studying the ultra-Orthodox community managed by researchers from within the community itself. In partnership with ‘Kikar HaShabbat’, the leading ultra-Orthodox news website, the institute conducts weekly surveys providing deep insights into ultra-Orthodox public opinions on social and political issues. I use culturally adapted research methods and machine learning algorithms to identify problematic responses, ensuring data reliability. My comparative research between ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel and the USA examines how different national and political contexts influence attitudes on issues such as democracy, national identity, and relationships with other groups. Through longitudinal studies, I track changes in community attitudes over time and in response to local and international political agendas. My work aims to contribute both to the scientific understanding of social dynamics and to the development of policies tailored to the needs of the ultra-Orthodox community.