Family, Education, Mental health

University research in Algeria truly began to develop in the early 1970s and experienced a real qualitative leap after 1980. Studies became numerous enough to constitute a relatively autonomous field, with a proliferation of surveys and diversification of methodological approaches. These studies particularly highlighted the emergence of women in social and political spaces, as well as their position in the labour market (Women and Social Integration, CRASC, 2005–2006) and their legal status through the Family Code (Algerian Women, MDCFCF, 2005).

Research on the Algerian family is relatively abundant, although sometimes fragmented or poorly disseminated due to the lack of effective research dissemination channels. One of the earliest studies was conducted by M. Boutefnouchet in the late 1970s, attempting to define the nature of the Algerian family, its evolution, and the characteristics of the changes experienced since independence.

The Algerian family has undergone profound transformations leading to changes in its internal structure and in the distribution of psychosocial roles among its members.

Other research conducted during and after the so-called “Black Decade” highlighted new changes affecting women’s employment, their presence in public space, and the transformation of social roles within the family (Social Psychology, Champs Journal, 2006). Other studies have revealed family distress and related pathologies (Violence against Women, CRASC, 2006; Youth Suicide, CRASC, 2004–2007; Abandoned Children, 2006, Moutassem-Mimouni B./UNICEF).

Based on this analysis, the Algerian family can be considered to be in a transitional phase. The main question is: what does this change consist of, and how will it affect families and individuals according to their educational level, socio-economic status, and geographic location?

Since the early 2000s, numerous studies have been conducted on the Algerian family by ministerial departments and research centres.

• A 2004 study by the Ministry of Family and Women’s Affairs showed deep structural transformations, including:

A growing trend towards the nuclear family model, representing nearly 70% of families.An increase in life expectancy from 53 years in 1970 to 76 years in 2006.Greater female participation in the labour market and the emergence of new needs.A high schooling rate reaching 97%.

These results require further investigation to determine the impact of these changes on family balance and to design mechanisms to prevent positive developments such as increased life expectancy from turning into social problems such as elder neglect or poverty.

• A recent CRASC study on the socio-economic integration of Algerian women showed that 56% of working women are under 40 years old. The study also showed:

Increased female labour participation and the emergence of businesswomen.54.5% of women participate in family decision-making.59.7% of women exercise their right to vote.

This raises questions about the effects of changes in women’s status on family balance, especially concerning children and childcare support structures.

• Given the importance of youth (65% of the population), studies show that young people are the most vulnerable group, particularly facing unemployment and poor living conditions.

• Studies on single-parent families and children deprived of family care show the development of new forms of parenthood, with associated risks such as social isolation, identity imbalance, and exposure to abuse.

These transformations raise the following hypothesis:Family disturbances, both sociological and psychological, have direct effects on social health and family relationships. Can families under pressure maintain the psychological and social well-being of their members, especially children and adolescents?