You have full access to this open access chapter. Existing literature suggests that marriage in the Arab Maghreb region continues to be the prime institution governing the cohabitation of men and women, despite increasing rates of celibacy, permanent celibacy, and divorce, as well as a rise in critiques of the institution of marriage. And although various forms of marriage are emerging, or re-emerging under new circumstances, it is certain—to date—that the institution of marriage is perpetually and widely reproduced in the consciousness and practices of individuals.
In the process, it fosters the close domestic and public connection between two families, regardless of the prevalence of individuality in society. You have full access to this open access chapter, Download chapter PDF. While the countries of the Maghreb have distinct historical and societal characteristics stemming from their diverse historical experiences, they also share some common characteristics.
For example, the Amazigh ethnic groups constitute a shared population base across the Maghreb countries. Furthermore, these nations enjoy a mosaic identity that was forged over the centuries as different ethnic groups came to inhabit North Africa, interacting socially, culturally, and politically with the pre-existing norms, customs, and modes of social organization.
The geographic settlement patterns of these different groups resulted in the variation of the social, legal, and cultural criteria governing marital relations in the different regions across and within countries of the Maghreb. These differences can be found between north and south; the coast and the inland; plain and mountain; city and countryside; and areas ruled by Islamic law and those where customary law prevails.
The Maghreb countries have witnessed a steady rise in their populations over the past six decades. This transformation has reduced the size of the family in Maghreb societies, while at the same time allowing for the emergence of optimal conditions for communication between spouses and higher levels of welfare for families.
