Moroccan Youth: Morocco Through the Eyes of Its People

Ahmad E. Herzallah

MES 16.10, Dr. Abdelhay Moudden

Final Paper

Moroccan Youth: Morocco Through the Eyes of Its People

AHMAD E. HERZALLAH

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INTRODUCTION

Morocco intersects tradition and modernity, where historical influences from Arab, Amazigh, and Andalusian (Islamic) cultures blend with globalization. Moroccan youth aged between 1 and 29, who represent 26.3%^[1] of the Moroccan population, live through a period of significant transition, creating a mixture of political and economic fluidity in Morocco. This demographic group is not just a statistical entity but a driving force that will shape the future of Morocco’s socio-political and economic landscape.

Morocco’s population is primarily young, with about 30% under 30, making youth a critical component of the nation’s future. This age group is crucial as they enter or are in the midst of their productive years. However, they face complex challenges, such as high unemployment rates, lack of economic opportunities, and a mismatch between educational outcomes and job market demands, all of which impact their potential to contribute positively to society.

Socio-Political Landscape

Morocco has undergone significant political reforms since the Arab Spring in 2011, including a new constitution aimed at decentralizing power and enhancing democracy, in addition to the victory of the Justice and Development Party. Yet, the pace of change has been slow, and many Moroccan youth feel disillusioned by the limited impact of these reforms on their daily lives. Issues such as corruption, lack of political transparency, and the perceived inefficacy of political institutions and parties to address the concerns of the youth exacerbate this disillusionment.

Moroccan youth experience more than just a division between the desire for modernity and the pull of traditional values. They have the potential to bridge these cultural gaps. This struggle manifests in everyday life, where Masjids and bars symbolize cultural tensions. With their unique position, the youth are often seen as navigating a path between these contrasting worlds, balancing their aspirations for a modern, globalized lifestyle with the expectations of their more conservative, traditional society.

Economical Challenges

On the economic side, Morocco presents a complex dilemma. Although the nation has experienced economic growth and infrastructural development, it has yet to distribute these benefits equitably. The official unemployment rate for Moroccan youth, a massive 38.2% in 2023^[2], underscores the severe shortage of opportunities, particularly in rural areas and among university graduates. The mismatch between the skills of the educated youth and the demands of the job market has led to frustration and a deep sense of hopelessness among the younger generation.

Moreover, Morocco's economic development has been heavily reliant on external debt, with the country's public debt reaching over 70% of GDP in recent years^[3]. This debt burden, owed to international creditors such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other foreign governments, constrains the government's ability to invest in critical areas like education, job creation, and social services. The necessity to service these debts diverts resources away from domestic priorities, exacerbating the challenges faced by the Moroccan youth, who are already struggling to find their place in a constrained economy.

This economic recession drives many young Moroccans to seek opportunities abroad, contributing to a significant brain drain. Despite their strong ties to their homeland and family, the lack of job prospects and social and economic hardships compel many to emigrate for better livelihoods. This phenomenon reflects a broader pattern of migration within the Maghreb region to nearby European countries, mainly Spain, Italy, and France, as well as these young individuals' struggles and sacrifices.

The main objective of this research is to deeply understand Moroccan youth's aspirations, challenges, and perspectives. This understanding is essential but critical in shaping policies and interventions that align with the youth's needs and aspirations. It is vital to understand how Moroccan youth perceive Morocco's cultural, social, and political landscape and ensure that their voices and needs are heard. The need for these policies and interventions is not just essential but pressing.

Throughout public spaces in Morocco, youth tend to use them as a relieving space from society, in which they can meet their friends, make others, and express themselves freely without judgment. One of the spaces I have used in Morocco, Rabat, is called "The Spot. " It is across from Mohammed VI's museum, a well-known spot among Moroccan youth.

LITERATURE REVIEW

        Across North Africa and the Middle East (MENA), young Arabs are regarded as the prime movers behind the protests that have altered the state of the MENA region within the last 15 years. Yet, even nowadays, young Arabs are more educated, and their accessibility to change is much lower. Many factors have contributed to this low accessibility to a radical positive change, such as global obstacles like economic instability and political unrest, as well as local ones like lack of job opportunities and social inequality. The local ones are the most effective in changing the faith of the young Arabs in the MENA region, especially in North Africa and Morocco.

        In Coping with Uncertainty, youth in the Middle East and North Africa are given a good overview of Arab youth across the MENA region. Yet, what’s missing is a transparent insight into a complex community whose individuals branch out into many different leaves with stories to tell and dilemmas faced within their communities.

        I gained personal insight into their lives after living with Moroccans and studying with Dartmouth College’s LSA+ (Language Study Abroad) program in Rabat, Morocco. This experience allowed me to interact with them personally, which opened my eyes to aspects of their lives that I would not have recognized otherwise. This personal connection is not just a testament but the very essence of the authenticity and depth of the research.

        Moroccans live a peaceful life amidst the complexities. Throughout its history with colonization, its current westernization, and the rise of the English language, which has gradually replaced the French language introduced during Morocco's colonial era, the social factors within Moroccan society have grown to be different compared to past generations. So, their issues and dilemmas have grown differently.

METHODOLOGY

        For the sake of understanding the youth of Morocco, I have conducted individual interviews with multiple young Moroccans of different ages, backgrounds, and identities. Interviews took place in public spaces, such as “The Spot,” I used my phone to record their audio with their permission granted. Moreover, I have gotten to know the individuals that I have interviewed through small talks we have established in multiple cafes since I did not get to know all of them at the same place, in addition to getting to know a few of them while sitting at “The Spot,” and through small chats we have established.

        The questions revolved around Morocco and its connections to it, and other unplanned questions were raised throughout the conversation. Questions asked:

1. What do you think of Morocco as a Moroccan?
2. What do you think is the party system in Morocco?
3. Is there an equality when it comes to opportunities? If not, how?
4. What do you like and hate about [The city the interviewee is from]
5. What’s something you wish Morocco had?

        After gathering the answers from all the interviews, I analyzed the interview data by transcribing the interviews into texts and then comparing the topics the interviewees discussed and their emotions and opinions toward the specific topic.

FINDINGS

        Throughout the interviews that I have concluded with young Moroccans, which have revolved around their aspirations for the future, perceptions of Moroccan cultures, and views on social issues, I have learned a lot about young Moroccans than I would have been able to through social media or any big news channel.

        Referring to one quote that one of my interviewees said regarding their aspirations for the future, she said: “The only thing my mother made very important in school; it's the only way out here, for us, that’s how we see it. Is by studying and having a good degree.” This raised a few questions for me, which is why studying outside of Morocco would be the more suitable option for young Moroccans, “It’s a third-world country, the government isn’t too well, just like everywhere, but it’s not too well especially in Morocco, in addition to the low pay wages. Imagine getting a good degree in Morocco; you won’t do much with it unless you know someone who can help you use your degree via their connections. Knowing people will help you out here most of the time. If you don’t have any leads, you’re done, you’re screwed, kinda.” She answered. This demonstrates the nature of corruption in Morocco and the need for high connections just to get the lead on the purpose you’re pursuing in education.

        Moreover, I asked them what they wished Morocco had, and one of the interviewees answered: “I think equality between everybody, you need connections everywhere. You got the degrees, but you’re poor. If born rich, you can buy your way out in money.” This emphasizes the nature of equality in Morocco, where you must know someone with high-up leads who can help you simply.

        I asked one of my interviewees, you were born and raised here in Morocco; how did that shape you? “They normalize a lot of stuff in the U.S., for example, like bad stuff; they’re not that religious there, not everyone. For me, religion has a big role in my life, how I think, and how I treat others. It’s all about religion at some point.” Returning to the modest Islamic nature of Morocco, where among all the stereotypes about Morocco, it is a country that many tourists go to, yet its modest nature still exists. I have found the same concept in living in a modest Islamic way, mainly in every Moroccan city, and I have found it the most in the cities where they are most known for tourism, like Tangier.

        In addition, I asked them about their thoughts on the Morocco movie “Much Loved (al-zīn al-lī fīk)” for Nabil Ayouch, to which one of my interviewees answered immediately: “It does reflect the reality of Morocco, but it’s not supposed to be shown in theaters. Zin Li Fik is the reality of Morocco; I mean, Nabil Ayouch always makes realistic films, but most of them get banned.” Much Loved is a Morrocan movie by Nabil Ayouch, which tells the story of four sex workers in Morocco who try to earn their livelihood and sustain their families despite the unforgiving nature of their profession. My interviewees’ answer to the question emphasizes the nature of Morocco, yet the need to also let the cliche stereotypes out of the scene. In other words, the scenes in Much Loved are authentic, yet a few issues have been raised. 1) The movie is inappropriate for showing in cinemas and theaters due to its sensitive scenes. 2) Some scenes are unsuitable for individuals who know nothing about Morocco since Morocco offers other things. This had been followed by questions regarding the usage of cannabis in Morocco: “It’s everywhere. You can go to any guy here and ask him for some, and he will sell you some.” I asked why they do it here a lot in the first place: “I mean, some do it for mental illness, and others for fun, to look cooler. It depends on their mentality.”

DISCUSSION

        Throughout five hours of recordings, I have listened to and listed the nutshell of my findings; I have learned about Moroccans from Moroccans that the Moroccan youth are an authentic mixture of many civilizations that come all at once to young people and are now fighting with the complexities of the mix itself, from fighting stereotypes and a Westernized colonized nature to embracing Morocco’s authentic culture.

        Moroccans are genuinely simple individuals, but they still would have some differences in different cities. Rabat, for example, within the eyes of one of my interviewees, is: “It’s quite peaceful. There are not many job opportunities here; besides that, Rabat is small, but I like it like that. If you ask someone from Casablanca who has lived there, they will say that Rabat is boring because it’s small, unlike Casablanca. I like the fact that it's small, and I know a lot of people here. Just peaceful.” This emphasizes the idea of the mixture that Moroccan youth has. Different cities have different cultures. Casablanca, for example, or as they call it, Le Petit Maroc, is the finance city of Morocco, where individuals there tend to be more outgoing, providing to the city’s economic role, and genuinely, not like those who live in Rabat, peaceful.

        As a Palestinian Arab, I did relate to many things the Moroccan youth have experienced. From the need to look for an escape through education due to the poor nature of the country, coping with governmental corruption, and the urge to survive in a country where you know you will not be staying your whole life. Such dilemmas that almost every Arab individual faces in a third-world country like Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and, of course, Morocco, as Moroccans see it.

One of the issues that are relatable within third-world countries is the lack of governmental focus on corruption and the necessity of connections for advancement during a mismatch between educational outcomes and job market demands. This issue requires many changes to be made by the government to alter the corruption scene that exists widely in Morocco, like forming bodies to address corruption and strengthening anti-corruption frameworks to tackle corruption issues within its bodies. The problem of corruption is sometimes being undermined. Yet, Moroccan youth ought to realize their potential and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development if no such issue existed in the first place. Another approach that would help tackle corruption is introducing transparent hiring processes in both the public and private sectors, which would not consider the connections and economic status of the individual; thus, it could help reduce reliance on personal connections. Implementing standardized and monitored recruitment procedures, such as blind application processes and merit-based selection criteria, would ensure that candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications and experience.

        In addition to the lack of accountability in public schools, one of my interviewees brought up the topic of public and private schools and why they were forced to go to private schools due to the lack of seriousness and accountability in public schools; she mentioned: “Teachers sometimes in public schools don’t even show up, in private schools they are forced to show up because they get paid for it. In public schools, you can be friends with the manager of taking attendance of teachers and inform such individuals that you won’t show up, and you’d be good.” This interviewee's experience highlights a critical issue within Morocco's educational system, where the disparity between public and private schools is not just a matter of resources but also fundamental accountability and commitment. The interviewee’s thoughts shed light on the culture of negligence in some public schools, where teachers may skip classes without facing consequences due to personal connections. This practice undermines the quality of education, erodes trust in public institutions, and perpetuates inequality.

        Moroccan youth nowadays have found themselves under a unique umbrella that identifies them. Tradition and modernity sit next to each other, shaping their identities and influencing their future aspirations. Moroccan youth are deeply rooted in a cultural context enriched by Amazigh, Islamic, and Arab traditions, in which they have a long-defined social role, family expectations, and religious practices.

        For young Moroccans, religion is their moral compass, where it's not just a set of rituals but more of a way of living that influences how they think, behave, and view the world. In one of my interviews, an individual emphasized the importance of religion in shaping their daily lives and decisions, especially compared to the more secular approach observed in Western societies like the United States; this religious identity sometimes conflicts with many young Moroccans' modern aspirations. The tension between upholding traditional Islamic values and embracing contemporary ideals, such as gender equality and freedom of expression, often creates internal conflicts for these youths.

CONCLUSION

        Young Moroccans embrace Westernized cultural sentiments, increasingly drawn to the values of personal freedom, self-expression, and the beliefs that modernity offers. Social media, international brands, global entertainment, and international artists such as rappers or singers significantly foster a desire to participate in a globalized world. Yet, embracing Western norms can alienate or create conflict within more conservative segments of Moroccan society, where people may see these approaches as a departure from traditional values. This dynamic is particularly evident in dress codes, dating scenes via dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, etc.), and career choices, where young people often find themselves caught between personal desires and societal expectations.

        Navigating these tensions between tradition and modernity shapes the identity and behavior of Moroccan youth. They are tasked with bridging the gap between the old and the new, preserving their cultural heritage while adapting to the demands and opportunities of a globalized world. This balancing act is empowering and challenging as they strive to create an identity that honors their roots yet remains flexible enough to engage with contemporary realities. In their future outlooks, many Moroccan youths are determined to succeed within tradition and modernity, whether by pursuing education abroad, engaging in global industries, or advocating for social reforms that resonate with their experiences and aspirations.

APPENDICES

Questions Asked:

1. What do you think of Morocco as a Moroccan?
2. What do you think is the party system in Morocco?
3. Is there an equality when it comes to opportunities? If not, how?
4. What do you like and hate about [The city the interviewee is from]
5. What’s something you wish Morocco had?
6. Opinions about Moroccan movies/shows
7. Thoughts on governmental sectors
8. Thoughts on some Moroccan stereotypes
9. Thoughts on identity between Amazigh and Arab
10. Something they think people should know about Morocco

Video:

1. Take one: Interview

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