The hierarchies that characterize the social landscape of North Africa today are the outcome of profound changes triggered by colonial institutions beginning in the early nineteenth century. Since 1830, when the French first entered Algeria, North African social organization and stratification have been modified by new roles and functions open to women. However, before discussion of how the present reality slowly emerged, it is important to place it in its larger cultural and historical context.

The three nation-states (Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) that constitute th…