During the colonial period, a conflict emerged between two conceptual archetypes: homo economicus and homo islamicus. Homo economicus symbolized the ideal of the self-interested economic individual, embodying the liberal subject of European modernity. Conversely, homo islamicus represented indigenous social customs and was linked with Islam. This conflict arose as colonial administrators and policymakers in Algeria endeavored to institute economic reforms and integrate Muslims into a productive market economy. The tension between these two archetypes influenced discussions on colonial policy and shaped the establishment of colonial governance. The racialization of Islam and the association of Muslims with economic underdevelopment played a significant role in the creation of a racialized religious system in Algeria. This conflict between homo economicus and homo islamicus mirrored the broader colonial mindset that perceived Muslims as fundamentally different from Western individuals and influenced perceptions of economic advancement and the potential contributions of Muslims to material progress.
The primary focus of the book is to analyze the intersection of race, religion, and capitalism within the context of French colonialism in Algeria. It investigates how racial classifications were formulated and managed by the colonial government, with a specific emphasis on the influence of religion on economic policies and social hierarchies. The book also delves into the discussions surrounding the correlation between race, capitalism, and postcolonial theory.
Muriam Haleh Davis argues in this book that religion and race were utilized as instruments to classify and regulate populations in colonial Algeria. She explores how colonial officials and planners identified the economic capabilities of Muslims as a pivotal factor in implementing economic reforms. She also scrutinizes the construction of racial and religious disparities in discussions on political economy and how these concepts influenced the allocation of resources and the development of capitalism, and she argues that comprehending the intersection of religion, race, and economics is essential for understanding the dynamics of colonialism and postcolonialism.
In order to comprehensively address this issue, Davis presents various events that characterized the conflict between homo economicus and homo islamicus. Notably, Karl Marx's visit to Algiers in 1882 is examined, during which he focused on several key issues. Marx believed that French colonialism in Algeria would foster closer ties between the European and native populations by introducing shared material interests, leading to prosperity and peaceful labor. However, he also acknowledged that the prosperity of the settler colony relied on the exploitation of Algerian society. Marx's visit occurred amidst ongoing revolts against the colonial order and urban transformations, with French observers interpreting these uprisings as evidence of Islamic extremism. Overall, Marx's primary focus during his visit was on the impact of French colonialism, the role of Islam in Algerian society, and the economic and social dynamics. Additionally, the author discusses a 1948 promotional film released by the French government that highlighted Algeria's role in exporting high-quality agricultural products to Europe. The film depicted the meticulous transportation of fruits and vegetables from Algerian ports to various European destinations, emphasizing the careful handling and preservation of the products to meet consumer expectations. The primary objective of the film was to promote Algeria as a dependable source of superior agricultural goods for European markets.
Furthermore, the author addresses various challenges related to the economic situation in postcolonial Algeria, including the dilemma between pursuing a modern, outward-looking industrial future associated with the Common Market or maintaining traditional agricultural practices. The author also delved into the impact of French colonization on agricultural practices, unequal access to market-exchange crops, and the shift towards wage labor. Additionally, the mismanagement of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), questionable accounting practices, and favoritism towards wealthy settlers over Algerian farmers were discussed. The author also explores how Algerian nationalists sought to redefine the religious landscape by emphasizing Islam as a means of resistance against colonial depersonalization. Economic progress, national identity, and Islam were identified as key themes in Algerian political life during and following Ben Bella's presidency. Davis also highlights the influence of figures such as the famous sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, the anarchist Daniel Guérin, and Salah Bouakouir, the secretary general of economic affairs, in shaping the racial regime, as well as the algerian thinker Malek Bennabi, who advocated for an economic system that would avoid extreme individualism and dehumanizing materialism, and rejected the notion that the economic and religious realms were inherently opposed.
This book offers significant value by providing a comprehensive examination of racial capitalism and the underlying conflicts. It challenges the notion that France brought civilization to uncivilized Algerians through economic systems, asserting that Islam formed the basis of a racial regime long before French colonization. The author emphasizes the use of Arabic sources, offering a fresh perspective that counters the potential bias of relying solely on French accounts. Additionally, the book is accessible to non-specialized readers, featuring explanations and definitions of terminology. The inclusion of original French denominations for institutions and services allows for further exploration. Overall, the book offers an engaging and informative exploration of the establishment of racial regimes in colonial and post-colonial Algeria. It serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and researchers across various disciplines, including history, politics, and sociology.
Kheira SEHABA
