Islamism resembles a new social movement in that it produces collective identity through reflexive and associational means (rather than relying on received religious wisdom and existing groups), yet it falls short of the ideal model because it does not appear to be an inclusive project. The boundaries between society and state, identity and strategy, culture and structure are all inextricably linked and must be considered while explaining and understanding Islamist movements. As a result, the presence of Islamism in the Maghreb should prompt us to reexamine the theoretical distinctions drawn in the social movement literature. The distinction between society and the state is dissolved not only daily, but also at the institutional level. The growth of Islamist movements in the region can be explained using Fraser’s tripartite theory of justice, the political process model, and the citizenship paradigm. These ideas can help us understand how Islamist social movements utilize political opportunities, employ their ideology and mobilization techniques to make their voices heard, and press the state to address their demands for political inclusion and increased citizenship rights.