This article employs a comparative framework in the analysis of the professional characteristics of social work in Israel. Using the attributes and the power approaches to professions, Israeli social work is analysed according to eight variables: a protected ‘trademark’, monopoly over social care and delivery of services within state welfare systems, occupational autonomy, length of training and control over training, internal differentiation by levels of expertise and competence, professional organisation, a sanction‐backed code of ethics, and material and symbolic rewards. The analysis reveals that Israeli social work has undergone an extensive professionalisation process and that it has characteristics that are not common in other countries. Initial explanations for this process are offered and discussed.

No abstract

The importance in Israeli society of service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is well known. Less well known are the voluntary alternatives to serving in the IDF through National Service. This study deals with the characteristics of National Service volunteers, their views and motives for service, their levels of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their work, and proposals for changes in the National Service. The random sample included 40 volunteers. The instruments were developed specifically for this study. The findings suggest that parents and friends have the greatest influence on the decision to serve in the National Service. Altruistic motives are the main category of motivation for serving, followed by environmental pressure, and idealism. Overall, respondents were satisfied with their experiences, especially in regard to their coworkers' attitudes. Although some dissatisfaction was expressed, it was not with the work itself but rather with the lack of public appreciation.Keywords : National Service; voluntarism; volunteers; voluntary organization; motives; motivation The notion of youth providing some form of voluntary social service is well known and is accepted in many countries (Rapoport, Penso, & Garb, 1994). Such volunteering is part of a long-standing historical tradition, for which references can be found even in the Bible, in association with the right to work with the Tabernacle (Ezra 2:68; Numbers 3:6) and in volunteering for war (Judges 5:3 94common elements with the National Service. Today, National Service is typically identified with programs in which people volunteer for some kind of "civil service" (Sherraden & Eberly, 1990). The specific shape of National Service, in whatever form it may take, is influenced by sociocultural variables of the particular society in which it is implemented (see http://www.americorps. org, 2003). This study focuses on the characteristics, motivations, and opinions of National Service volunteers (NSVs) in regard to their service. Historically, the National Service program of Israel originated in 1971 and served the purpose of providing a substitute for military service for religious girls. It should be understood in the context of the political struggle between the secular and the religious groups in the country. Whereas the religious parties wanted to protect the females from the detrimental effects of military service on their morals, those who were Zionists still believed in some form of substitute service that would accommodate their moral and educational goals (Rappaport et al., 1994).The program is presently run by various organizations that received their mandate from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (see http://molsa. gov.il/fr_Mingal.htm, 2003). Some represent the most orthodox sector of the population, whereas others serve less religious or secular groups of individuals who are not accepted to the army because of religious, moral (e.g., conscientious objectors), or medical reasons. The inclusion of the possibility to enlist voluntee...

The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) controls the spread of seizures. GABA(A)ergic drug (agonist or antagonist) infusions into the SNR have age-specific and site-specific effects on flurothyl-induced seizures. Developmental and cell-specific regulation of GABA(A) receptor subunit expression may be responsible for these specific effects. To test this hypothesis, in situ hybridization was used to examine regional expression of alpha1 and gamma2L GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs in the SNR during development. Distinct temporal and spatial patterns of expression were observed. In rats at postnatal days (PN) 21-60, fewer neurons were labeled with probes directed to alpha1 and gamma2L subunits in SNRanterior compared with SNRposterior. In addition, neurons in SNRanterior contained higher amounts of hybridization grains than in SNRposterior. In PN 15 rats, the labeling of neurons was relatively diffuse throughout the anterior and posterior SNR regions with moderate amounts of hybridization grains for both subunits. The finding of age-related differential distribution of alpha1 and gamma2L subunit mRNAs in the SNR suggests that GABA(A) receptor heterogeneity may play a role in the age-specific and site-specific effects of GABA(A)ergic agents on seizures in the SNR.

No abstract