Economics Quote by Tarek Osman
““economic situation in the 1970s and 1980s also supported the rise of the religious movement. Open economic policies that Sadat introduced in the mid-1970s (al-infitah) put enormous pressures on Egypt's middle class, which witnessed a significant erosion in its purchasing power and its relative standing in society (especially with the rise of segments of the country's lower classes that had significantly benefited from the economic consequences of the migration to the Gulf); the result was a damaging reshuffling in its composition (discussed in Chapter 4). These pressures in turn provided an opportunity for the Muslim Brotherhood to re-establish its presence in Egyptian society.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Egypt's Political Economy, Tarek Osman, 2014
Economic hardships in 1970s‑80s Egypt weakened the middle class, creating fertile ground for the Muslim Brotherhood’s resurgence.
In simple terms: Hardship helped the Brotherhood gain influence.
Key Takeaway
Address economic inequality to limit extremist appeal.
Themes
economics
politics
religion
social change
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- historical study
- social reform
Key Concepts
class pressure
political opportunity
religious mobilization
Questions to Reflect On
- How do economic policies affect social movements?
- What safeguards can prevent extremist gains?
A Different Perspective
Economic factors alone don’t explain political shifts.
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