The Berber (Amazigh) Movements
摘要
Berber movements in the Maghreb strengthen the region’s linguistic, cultural, and political diversity. They also blur the distinctions between culture and politics, identity and nationalism, religion and identity politics. While targeting young people, activists employ a variety of mobilization techniques, including the politicization of language, culture, ethnicity, and identity, as well as their instrumentalization, to resist Islamist movements and gain control and decision-making positions. Berber movements also support Tilly and Adam’s theory, which emphasizes the importance of the political process, mobilization, and collective action in social movements. Amazigh movements in the Maghreb reveal the important role of the state, as well as the politicization of language and culture, as mobilizing factors. Their demands extend beyond cultural rights. There are both socioeconomic and political demands. Motivated by a lack of dignity, respect, and political representation, these social movements also endorse Fraser’s tripartite theory of justice, the political process model, and the citizenship assumption. These theories show how social movements use political opportunities to advance their objectives for stronger citizenship rights and democratization.