A Theoretical Approach to "Al Mustanfira" Tunisian Personality

Abstract

In their interaction with each other, Tunisians show an attitude of uneasiness, tension and fear toward their fellow Tunisians with whom they come in contact for the first time (they are seen as strangers or "barrani"). We have used the A rabic term "Al Mustanfira"to describe this type of personality. The implications of this characteristic of the Tunisian Personality are numerous for both the Tunisian individual and her/his society. We mention here only four of them. First, Tunisians hardly feel very secure in their first interaction with those Tunisians with whom they don't have primary group blood relations. Second, at times, it is not easy for those to run the Tunisian administration who lack close relations with the other working staff. Third, the development of political democracy may be hampered by the dis trustful attitude of Tunisians toward "other" political parties. Fourth, Tunisians are more likely to suffer from stress in an increasingly urbanising society where they have to deal with a vast majority of Tunisians with whom they are not familiar.