The Moroccan city of Ifrane recently hosted the first forum for young Moroccans abroad, organized by the Council for the Moroccans Community Abroad (CCME)
One of the topic discussed was a survey conducted by the BVA agency among 2,610 Moroccans aged 18-34 from six different countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
The survey is comprehensive, but was pretty much ignored by the media. The Dutch media, for example, did report about it, but only focused on the Moroccans in the Netherlands.
The Yabiladi site published the entire survey. I did not summarize it all. Instead I bring several of the Q&As below, especially those focusing on identity. Click on the images to enlarge the charts.
Religious level
Do you go to a mosque or prayer house every or nearly every day / Friday or once a week / less often / only for ceremonies or holidays / never
The results in the gray box are from a 2009 survey conducted among 35-65 year olds
Note the column on the right, comparing 1st generation and 2nd generation Moroccans. Belgium and the Netherlands are the only countries listed where the 2nd generation 'go regularly' more often than the first generation. In Germany, on the other hand, mosque attendance is dropping.
Financial support
Do you financially support a family member in Morocco? Yes/No/No answer
The results in the gray box are from a 2009 survey conducted among 35-65 year olds
On average, 43% of young Moroccans support a relative in Morocco. The Netherlands is the only country with a majority (51%) doing so.
Image of Morocco/Moroccans
Do you think the [residents of the country of residence] have a very good image / good image/ poor image or very bad image of..
Q1: Morocco
Q2: Moroccans living in [country of residence]
Young Moroccans think most Europeans (79%) have a good image of Morocco, but that far fewer (48%) have a good image of Moroccans.
Identity
Q1: I feel Moroccan - completely agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / completely disagree / no answer
Q2: I'm considered a Moroccan in [country of residence] - completely agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / completely disagree / no answer
A clear majority feel Moroccan and think they're seen as Moroccans. Interesting to note that in Italy and Germany slightly less than 70% of the 2nd generation feel Moroccan, and though 90% of them feel they're seen as Moroccans in Germany, only 54% feel the same in Italy.
Q1: I feel at home in [country of residence] - completely agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / completely disagree / no answer
Most Moroccans feel at home in Europe. Italy gets the lowest score, but among 2nd generation Moroccan-Italians, 97% feel at home in Italy.
Q2: I'm considered a [nationality of country of residence] in Morocco - completely agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / completely disagree / no answer
While most Dutch, Belgian and French Moroccans feel they're seen as such in Morocco, the Moroccans living in Spain, Italy and Germany don't think they're seen as 'Europeans'.
Q1: I feel [nationality of country of residence] - completely agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / completely disagree / no answer
Belgium and France are the only countries where young Moroccans feel they're Belgian or French.
Q2: I'm considered a [nationality of country of residence] in [country of residence] - completely agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / completely disagree / no answer
Just 31% of young Moroccans think they're seen as 'locals' in their country of residence. Even in France (37%) and Belgium (35%) only a minority think they're considered locals.
You need to hide your origins in order to be accepted in [country of residence] - completely agree / somewhat agree / somewhat disagree / completely disagree / no answer
Overall, 28% agree. Spain (46%) and the Netherlands (42%) lead the chart. Note the generational breakdown. In Belgium, France and the Netherlands more of the 2nd generation agree with this statement.
Discrimination
Do you think it's easier or harder for a young Moroccan to ... than a young [country of residence]? [harder/easier/same/no answer]
The list: find work, find a place to live, being recognized at work, practice your religion, study, get bank credit, get proper medical treatment.
Overall, a majority think it's harder to young Moroccans to find work and a place to live, and to be recognized for their efforts at work. Getting proper medical care is the only question for which a majority think everybody is treated the same.
On the question of religion: 49% think it's harder for a Moroccan to practice their religion, but 19% think it's easier.
Politics
Q: Is it more important for you to participate in ... Moroccan politics / country of residence politics /no answer
A small minority in every country thinks it's more important to participate in Moroccan politics. Spain and Italy are the only countries where a minority think it's more important to participate in the local politics.
