Berber Society
A quick overview of the social structures and societies in Berber history.
Berber societies have existed in various forms for at least 5,000 years. Their common cultural name was given to them in Roman times, a variant of ‘barbarian.’ Berber people generally refer to themselves as Imazighen or the Amazigh, the 'free people.' As this name suggests, traditional Berber societies are relatively egalitarian and family-oriented. Most trace their lineage through the male line, with the exception of certain Tuareg societies. Clans, or vein, form larger tribes. In earlier centuries, these confederations sometimes united under a single dynasty. The kingdoms of Mauretania and Numidia, for example, grew powerful in the wake of the Punic Wars. During the era of Islamic conquests, dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads controlled much of the Maghreb and Spain.
For the most part, however, historic Berber groups have not organized on an extensive political level. Arab control over their regions pushed Berber tribes to the outskirts of society, offering few avenues for social advancement. Cultural differences, most notably the Berber language family, also discouraged political unity. Traditional family groups continued to govern themselves, making decisions via council and common approval. Elected chiefs could serve for several years before stepping aside. This structure has continued in some areas to the present day.
Women have historically occupied a high status in Berber society. A popular Berber folk heroine, Dihya, is famous for dying while leading armies against Muslim invaders in the 7th century. A thousand years later, Amazigh women also joined the fight against French colonial forces. Berber women have generally enjoyed greater visibility and autonomy than their Arab counterparts, including in marriage. Tuareg women in particular have reserved the right to choose husbands through courtship. Divorce by either gender is allowed in Tuareg society, and women keep most of the marital property. They may then marry again.
Modern Berber communities follow these customs to a greater or lesser extent. Especially in cities, tribal organization has faded in favor of the nuclear family. Economic pressures continue to erode the traditional farming and herding lifestyles. Migrant labor sends many young men away to support their families, creating a labor shortage in rural communities. Until recent decades, the Berber languages were also threatened by increasing usage of Arabic. Activism and more widespread access to education, however, are now working to preserve Berber languages and culture. This activism has led to significant political turmoil in the nations of North Africa, including numerous separatist movements.
Further Reading:
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References
Goodman, Jane. Berber Culture on the World Stage: From Village to Video. Indiana University Press. 2005.
Hart, David M. Tribe and Society in Rural Morocco. Routledge. 2014.
Maddy-Weitzman, Bruce. The Berber Identity Movement and the Challenge to North African States. University of Texas Press. 2011.
Nisan, Mordechai. Minorities in the Middle East: A History of Struggle and Self-Expression. 2nd ed. McFarland. 2012.
Zurutuza, Karlos. “Libya's Berbers Fear Ethnic Conflict.” Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 6 Jan. 2015, www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/libya-berbers-fear-ethnic-conflict-2014123065353199495.html.
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