All such measures are notoriously unreliable they take no account, for example, of the distribution of wealth within countries or the quality of life for the majority. In this case they look just a little too convenient for the IMF, which needs to demonstrate the success of its structural adjustment policies in developing countries, where there is widespread criticism of their devastating effects. Kibbutzim shed ideals ANON Israel's 'kibbutzim', or rural collectives, have since the foundation of the state symbolized the ideals of early settlers. But like other societies they are questioning their socialist ideology. There are 270 kibbutzim in Israel with a total population of 126,000 members.
All members have rights over all property and resources.
Within the means of the kibbutz, individual needs are satisfied and everyone, including the elderly, makes some contribution. The collective is democratically governed and dedicated to material and social equality. No-one receives individual payment for their work. Yehuda Harel, a kibbutz member and leading proponent of change, believes the movement is a total failure. He says members should have greater personal freedom and less collective governance.