The Representation of Women in Moroccan Hassani Proverbs

Abstract

This study explores the representation of women in Hassani proverbs, a significant component of Sahrawi oral culture in Morocco. The power of language in its various forms and modes lies in its role in shaping and transmitting gendered beliefs and social norms. Proverbs, as condensed expressions of cultural knowledge, are particularly influential in reflecting and reinforcing societal views and beliefs. Drawing on selected examples from El Hayssin’s (2013) work: Women in Hassani Proverbs, the study examines how Hassani proverbs portray women across different stages of life and in relation to their social roles. The selected proverbs, originally in the Hassani dialect, have been translated into English and analysed for recurring themes and images. Findings reveal that many proverbs convey stereotypical and often negative perceptions of women, revealing deeply rooted gender ideologies in the community’s oral heritage. This study sheds light on how proverbs function as cultural tools that shape and perpetuate collective gender attitudes within society.

Keywords: Feminism, Gender stereotypes, Hassani culture, Oral literature, Patriarchy, Portrayal, Proverbs, Representation, Social image, Women status.

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/74-07

Publication date: July 30^th 2025