Social Status differences in Morocco

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 I have noticed in Morocco that there seems to be no economic middle class, or that it is quite small. If that is not true and there are distinct classes, then I haven’t been in situations to see them, or they are not visually obvious to me. In all the towns we are in everyone seems to be dressed very similar, doing similar activities, and it seems everyone knows everyone. I would consider both of our Muhammed’s and the professors we spoke with at ENA and the scientists and engineers at our tours to be upper class in Morocco, but that is coming from my American biases.

Where wealth and income mainly separate classes globally, in Morocco family, history, region, and education separate the classes. One thing that is so difficult for Moroccans relating to social status is social mobility. “ According to the enlightening Global Social Mobility Index compiled by the World Economic Forum in 2020, Morocco finds itself mired in a disheartening 73rd position out of 82 countries (Khadri 2023)” In Morocco social status is so tied to family because community living is a big part of the culture here, so it makes shortcomings in society cyclical. 

I still have a lot to learn in terms of Moroccan culture, and any culture that does not prioritize autonomy over family. That is such an American ideal, and it is hard to retract that lens when learning anything new. Here in Morocco, however, I see how autonomy, wealth, and status are not the most important things in life, human connection is. 

https://www.freiheit.org/morocco/trapped-social-loop-challenges-social-mobility-morocco 

Comments

  1. Christian HertzigMay 22, 2025 at 12:39 PM

    Hi Christina! What a phenomenal and enlightening post. I also have not seen a distinct "middle class." It also seems that it is not common to see the "upper middle class" in the recent areas we have been. I believe your quote added nicely to your statement and supported your point. That is crazy to me that Morocco ranked 73rd out of 82 countries. Overall great job, and I am also excited to continue learning about the social classes in this awesome country.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christian HertzigMay 25, 2025 at 6:59 AM

      What steps or actions should the Moroccan government take to improve social mobility?

      Delete

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