Exposing inadequate representation in local authorities: the Ethiopian community in Israel

While the Ethiopian population in Israel accounts for about 2% of the Jewish population, their nationwide representation in local authorities accounts for less than 1.4% of all employees. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of Ethiopian origin influential figures in Israel regarding their inadequate representation in local authorities. Our questions focus on how these individuals perceive the current representation and what improvements they believe could be made. Nineteen respondents took part in semi structured qualitative interviews that were thematically coded and yield four themes concerning inadequate representation. The theoretical contribution is reflected by the themes that emerged from the interviews and conveyed the story of social norms whose power exceeds that of the law. The practical contribution is echoed by actions policymakers can take to promote adequate representation, including, enforcing affirmative action upon authorities. Decision makers should therefore ensure adequate representation of the Ethiopian original community in Israel in local authorities.