"Vacation Culture" Shifts Holidaying from Family Luxury to Social Gain

The perception of vacationing in Moroccan society has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a mere luxury to what is increasingly viewed as a social necessity. For many families, summer holidays were once a privilege, and for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, it was an opportunity to engage in light work to afford school supplies. Today, however, leisure and a change of scenery are considered fundamental aspects of the holiday experience.

“

Moroccan society is experiencing what is called a vacation culture; it was not present in this way in the lifestyle during the seventies and eighties.

Social psychologist Mustafa Slaity notes that Moroccan society is experiencing a "vacation culture," a phenomenon less prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s. He explains that holidays are now seen as essential for breaking the monotony of daily life and alleviating boredom. Families feel a sense of deprivation if they cannot afford a vacation, making it a crucial element of life, especially for children who eagerly anticipate it.

“

The holiday has become essential in life, where families feel deprived if they cannot take advantage of it as a means of breaking away from the routine of life and getting rid of boredom.

Slaity observes that holidays have become both a desire and an obligation. Families feel compelled to budget and manage their finances to accommodate vacations, as life without one is becoming difficult to imagine. This contrasts with the past, when holidays were primarily periods of rest from academic pressures. Children then adapted to local activities, but now there's a strong urge to travel and seek new experiences, fueled by societal and attitudinal shifts.

“

The holiday has become both an obligation and a desire, as families find themselves compelled to manage their financial lives and budgets to spend it, because it has become difficult to imagine life without a holiday, especially for children who await it.

The allure of entertainment and the visibility of diverse leisure options have intensified the desire for vacations outside one's local area. However, these experiences often come with significant financial costs, making access to summer holidays unevenly distributed based on socioeconomic status. Slaity highlights that not taking a vacation can lead to feelings of inadequacy, particularly for children who compare their experiences with others, as holidays have become a marker of social value. The pursuit of happiness and psychological well-being drives families to seek these new experiences.

“

Children, in their relationship with others, may consider the holiday as something that gives them value within society. Therefore, it has become an essential part of their experiences; the desire to go out, open up, and have new experiences was strongly present.