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Weekly highlights

What Does It Mean to Be Moroccan?

Royal Institute for Strategic Studies

A Surprising Social Bond!

T HE Royal Institute for Stra- cohesion, language issues, solidarity, focus included media influence, digital «Limited Interest in Politics and
tegic Studies (IRES) has just social justice, security perception, communication, and perspectives on
Elections».
released a survey on social legality, and freedom. Other areas of the future.
cohesion in Morocco. As part of its The survey results reveal that there
has been no fundamental shift in the
research program «Social Cohe- Rediscovering Family: Thank You, COVID! major trends observed in the 2011
sion in Morocco: What Role for the and 2016 studies. One of the key
State and Social Actors?», IRES has takeaways is the relative stability of
conducted its third national survey on RES also analyzed the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, noting how Moroccan societal structures, particu-
the subject. I it led to emotional distress and shifts in cultural values and social larly the primacy of family ties over
According to IRES, «Understanding attitudes among Moroccans. However, despite its hardships, the other social connections, the enduring
societal changes is a key area of stra- pandemic allowed for a rediscovery of the importance of family, natio- influence of traditions, and a strong
tegic monitoring, aiming to grasp the nal solidarity, social cohesion, and even civic engagement with public attachment to national identity sym-
dynamics at play in Moroccan society, institutions and authorities. These were among the positive effects of bols.
particularly regarding the evolution the crisis. The study also highlights a lack of
of social ties and value systems, the On the other hand, social distancing and tensions within nuclear fami- citizen interest in political affairs and
conditions for peaceful coexistence, lies—including domestic violence, child abuse, rising divorce rates, elections, as well as the materialis-
and relationships with institutions.» mental health issues, and increased stress—led to a loosening of social
ties during the health crisis. tic nature of social demands and a
Regarding the conditions necessary for peaceful coexistence, the survey widespread perception of the State as
The Civic Lens highlights a hierarchy of social demands among Moroccans. Material a provider of solutions.
needs remain dominant, particularly the improvement of purchasing Another important observation is that
This study covered several themes. power and employment opportunities for all. At the same time, the the cultural globalization and techno-
From a societal perspective, it exami- main obstacles to social harmony include poverty, social injustice, and logical revolution have not yet funda-
ned family ties, friendships, neighbo- corruption. Although these issues have shown a slight decline compared mentally altered individual attitudes
rhood relations, work environment, to the 2011 and 2016 studies, they remain among the most significant or Moroccan national identity. Howe-
the status of women, and Moroccans challenges. ver, the study notes that these major
abroad. These concerns have greater weight than cultural issues, such as in- trends are influencing social bonds,
It also explored the civic dimension, dividualism or social indifference. Notably, incivility and religious particularly among urban dwellers,
addressing topics such as interest in extremism have dropped to the bottom of the list of concerns this time younger generations, and individuals
political affairs, institutional trust, around. o with significant cultural or economic
the impact of the Constitution, civic capital. o
engagement, national identity, social Amin RBOUB

Friday 7 March 2025