Communal Education in the Closed Kibbutz Community as a Reflection of Narcissistic Parenthood
This article attempts to highlight the existence of mental disorders resulting from narcissistic relationships as reflected in the system of communal education that was practiced in Israeli kibbutzim until the 1980s. The narcissistic disorder is characterized by an emotional short-sightedness, a false self, developed as a defence against feelings of worthlessness, and unique behavioural patterns in interaction with others. Narcissists demand much attention, recognition and closeness on the part of their children and spouses, while they themselves lack empathy and find it difficult to respond to subjectivity in others. The spotlight is shone on victims who are affected by narcissistic parents, as well as similar cases of children raised in the system of communal education on kibbutzim. A parallel is drawn between the narcissistic adult and the communal education system which, in adherence to an ideology, fails to see the differential needs of each child and satisfy them. Such children suffer from emotional disorders as a result of the demand made of them to conform to a specific educational model that was in keeping with the times. Three areas are cited in which children brought up in the system experienced deprivation: nights spent with no adult in attendance; conformity in dress and attitude to religion and tradition; and suppression of personal talents and aptitudes. Recommendations are made for treating victims of narcissistic parents and children reared in the system of communal education.