The Sand Child is set in early 20th-century Morocco and challenges Moroccan culture as well as, more subtly, the French occupation of Morocco. In particular, the treatment of women in Morocco comes under scrutiny. While the story is set in the 1950s, it responds in many ways to the treatment of women since the 1960s, when Hassan II took rule over Morocco. In 1956, King Mohammed V first claimed independence for Morocco from France and was known as a fairly forward ruler. Then, in 1961, Hassan took over and reinstated deeply conservative traditions in the period known as “The year of the Iron Fist”. This period was marked by violence against women and girls. Much has changed since Mohammed VI took over in 1999. The Sand Child takes as its focus the belief that male children (Ahmed) in early-to mid-20th-century Moroccan culture were more valuable than female children. This is seen throughout the novel as Ahmed acknowledges the special privileges of males, specifically that of being able to attend Quranic school. Ben Jelloun was praised for his critique of gender roles in Morocco by women’s groups.
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