Abdelwahed Mekki-Berrada is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Université Laval
Professor Abdelwahed Mekki-Berrada (Université Laval) is spearheading an ambitious international research project titled “Voix de la colère et de l'espoir: Stratégies narratives numériques et ethnographiques de gestion de la colère et de l'espoir par les jeunes musulmanes et musulmans au Canada, en Europe et au Maghreb” [Voices of Anger and Hope: Digital and Ethnographic Narrative Strategies for Managing Anger and Hope by Muslim Youth in Canada, Europe and the Maghreb], which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada with a budget of $2.5 million.
This project, a Partnership grant that also includes Diana Miconi (Université de Montréal), Cécile Rousseau (McGill) and Vivek Venkatesh (McGill) among the international team, aims to explore how young adults in Canada, Europe, and the Maghreb express anger and hope amidst a backdrop of social uncertainty and polarization. By employing both ethnographic and “netnographic” methods (the latter analyzes the digital media content to which young people refer to express their anger, hope and discriminatory experiences), the research will involve direct engagement with young adults and analysis of their digital expressions, focusing on those aged 18 to 29 across nine countries.
Mekki-Berrada’s work, rooted in a personal history of social justice struggles in post-colonial Morocco, seeks to understand the dynamics that lead to either violent or constructive expressions of anger among youth. This research not only aims to analyze these emotions but also to develop actionable models for fostering constructive dialogue and social bonds. With a strong emphasis on participatory action research, the project involves young adults in its design and implementation, ultimately aspiring to provide solutions that promote inclusivity and address the inequalities and social tensions driving youth anger.
If you would like to know more, Université Laval has recently published a detailed story about the project (French only).