Ability or Social Status; Middle-Class

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In Morocco, I noticed that there does not appear to be a distinct middle class. From passing through the diplomatic neighborhoods in Tangier to the wealthy neighborhoods in Marrakech, I did not see a lot of in-between living. First, in Morocco there is extreme poverty seen on the streets of cities where begging is very normal, even from children. Next, most of the cars seen are either very nice, luxury cars or older cars that have not aged well.

However, after doing some outside research that stemmed from my observations, Morocco’s middle-class is actually growing and has been for over a decade while poverty rates are decreasing. “Urban areas have also witnessed an expansion of the middle class. By 2019, the middle class represented two-thirds of the urban population, marking nearly a 15% increase compared to 2012” (Morocco World News, n.d.). Morocco has been experiencing increased levels of tourism over the last decade due to many influencers posting on social media about their amazing travels to Morocco. I think that the tourism industry is helping decrease poverty rates as the industry increases. From what we saw in Morocco, those that work in hospitality excel at their job and very much enjoy it. From our guides to the hotel staff, everyone was polite and helpful.

I predict that as Morocco grows and tourism continues to fuel their economy, poverty will continue to decrease, and the middle-class will continue to grow.

Morocco World News. (n.d.). Study: Contrary to popular beliefs, Morocco’s middle class is stronger, poverty is shrinking. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2024/05/362617/study-contrary-to-popular-beliefs-moroccos-middle-class-is-stronger-poverty-is-shrinking

Comments

  1. Andrew PJune 22, 2024 at 5:25 AM

    I noticed the same thing. I also was wondering what the homes and apartments looked like on the inside. Many did not seem very up kept on the outside but there were so many well educated and dressed people that we spoke to, especially at the offices and labs we visited, that I imagine they would live comfortably. Most of the rural areas did look rougher than in the cities but you also see that throughout the US.

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