The making of social policy in Israel: the perceived influence of members of the 13th Israeli Knesset

This article reports the findings of a study that explored possible connections between the perceived influence and the background variables of members of the 13th Israeli Knesset (MKs). The study involved extensive interviews with members of the 13th Israeli Knesset (1992-1996) and with a group of policy makers. It also drew on archival and quantitative data concerning the background variables and activities of the MKs. The article includes a short overview of the Israeli political system and of the 13th Israeli Knesset and its composition. The research methodology is described in the beginning of the article. The perceived influence of the MKs and their background variables are then presented. Subsequently, possible correlations between the MKs'background variables and their influence are explored. The article ends with a discussion and a presentation of conclusions.