Researchers Discuss the Religious Phenomenon and Public Space at Menassat Headquarters


 

In keeping with its openness to scientific activities and its mission as a center incubating young researchers and talents, Menassat hosted master's research students around a research paper, "Religion and Public Space in Morocco: The Case of the Moudawana, What Dynamic?" produced by researcher Charki Atioui. The meeting was held at Menassat premises on February 24 of the current year and was moderated by Fatima Zahra Akkif, project manager within the organization.

Charki Atioui addressed the religious phenomenon through several scientific and sociological approaches, highlighting the major transformations observed in the religious field and all the interactions taking place in this regard in public space in Morocco. In this respect, the researcher presented several indicators that marked this shift of religious discourse from the public sphere toward social networks as new channels that address the religious phenomenon. From a comprehensive perspective, the researcher explores how these green spaces have become a place for the deployment of religion, as a strategy for approaching this issue differently, without nevertheless risking the restrictions surrounding the religious dimension.

Furthermore, the researcher also raised the question of the Moudawana and all the debates sparked in public space on the occasion of its reform. In this sense, Atioui particularly emphasized certain questions where it is a matter of linking women's rights to religious principles without nevertheless undermining religious integrity and unity. These questions, the researcher believes, require scientific analysis to understand the deployment of religion in the different spheres of social life.

This meeting also provided an opportunity to examine the different questions and issues related to the religious phenomenon in Moroccan society from a scientific and sociological angle. The interventions of the research students contributed to broadening the debate on the religious phenomenon and its manifestations in public space.

As a reminder, Menassat is a research center and an open scientific space for carrying out and presenting research and leading scientific and civic discussions. Menassat is a crossroads that brings together young researchers, academics, and actors from all spheres around themes and debates concerning Moroccan society. The main mission of the organization is to contribute to the development of public policies and decision-making by developing social research, conducting field studies, and applying various scientific approaches to social issues, whether at the local, regional, or national level. The idea is also to provide scientific output, expertise, and objective analyses to decision-makers, academics, opinion leaders, civil society representatives, and all stakeholders who contribute to the development of Moroccan society.