Mobilities Among Marginalized Youth in Morocco: Precariousness, Agency and Networks

Abstract

The migration flows in the Mediterranean region have often been perceived as both a threat and an opportunity. This chapter delves into the current situation to examine the emerging migration patterns in Morocco, a country in the Southern Mediterranean basin, from the perspective of its role as a sending country. Specifically, our research aims to comprehend the dynamic processes of youth mobility within the Mediterranean basin. We seek to shed light on the migratory tendencies of marginalized youth, focusing on the post-Arab Spring generations, as well as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these movements. This study is grounded in an ethnographic fieldwork conducted among young people residing in Sale, the twin city of Rabat and the capital of Morocco. Employing a qualitative research approach, we engage in life narrative interviews with 22 young individuals who harbor aspirations of migrating. By exploring their life narratives, including their experiences, practices, and discursive imaginaries, our objective is to construct a comprehensive understanding of their lives and identify the factors that compel them to contemplate migration. Through a detailed analysis of these life narratives, we concentrate on the interconnected and often conflicting aspects of migratory trajectories. The aim is to highlight the pivotal role of individual agency in shaping migration culture, examining its sustainability, and uncovering potential alterations. By emphasizing the agency of youth, we aim to contribute to a deeper comprehension of the multifaceted nature of migration within the Mediterranean region.