Population transitions, youth unemployment, postponement of marriage and violence in Algeria

• Published in: The journal of North African studies 2004-01, Vol.9 (2), p.28-45
• Main Author: Kouaouci, Ali
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age at marriage; Algeria; Attitudes; Demographic Change; Population Characteristics; Population growth; Social conditions; Social Environment; Unemployment; Violence; Youth; Youth and politics; Youth unemployment
• ISSN: 1362-9387; 1743-9345
• DOI: 10.1080/1362938042000323329

This essay explores the contribution of demographic factors to Algeria's environment of violence. Algeria's situation is analysed with reference to Geoffrey McNicoll's analytical framework for evaluating the effects of rapid population growth on family, economic and political systems. The interactive relationships between population growth, the size of the youth cohort, employment, structural adjustment policies, household structure and family systems are examined with aggregate data. Using survey data, the essay tests McNicoll's proposition that systemic trends are reflected in individual behaviour, which affects subsequent population growth. The findings confirm that housing and employment shortages have left Algeria's burgeoning population of marriage-age young people feeling disaffected and socially isolated, making them vulnerable to political actors seeking recruits to further destabilise the country through terrorism. However, given the opportunity, most young people would seek to enter mainstream society through training and employment. The essay concludes by suggesting that, if the government responds with appropriate policies, these youths may yet be diverted from Algeria's cycle of violence. (Original abstract)