A new study by the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research reveals significant differences in the lifestyles of haredi families living in Israel's periphery compared to those in the country's center. The research, led by Dr. Pavel Jelnov, finds that haredi families in the periphery tend to own more cars and televisions, spend more on transportation and communications, and have fewer children on average than their counterparts in central Israel.

Migration to the periphery is not solely driven by the housing crisis but reflects broader changes in family patterns, including household spending, mobility, and fertility decisions. The study highlights a strong link between car ownership and smaller family size, with car-owning households having notably fewer children. Other indicators, such as television ownership and higher educational attainment among women, further underscore the evolving lifestyle differences.

Despite lower average incomes in the periphery, reduced housing costs allow for higher savings rates among haredi families. The study also notes that haredi women in the periphery are more likely to hold matriculation certificates or academic degrees, influencing employment opportunities and household organization. These findings suggest that migration patterns are reshaping the social and demographic landscape of haredi society in Israel.

Shoresh Institution President Prof. Dan Ben-David emphasizes that housing and population dispersal decisions have far-reaching impacts on family structures and fertility, urging policymakers to consider these trends when developing housing and transportation policies.