Fighting Discrimination in a Hostile Political Environment: The Case of "Colour-Blind" France

The book investigates the experience of ethno-racial discrimination in France and the forms that resistance takes in a colour-blind context. It argues that race operates at the political level and is embedded in policy design, and highlights the centrality of institutions and policies in the production of a colour-blind racial regime. Despite the hostile character of the French political environment, the fight against discrimination takes renewed forms, from infrapolitical tactics to legal battles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In France, a country with a rich history of immigration and a diverse population, the experience of ethno-racial discrimination is a complex and multifaceted issue. While France is often praised for its purported color-blindness, the reality is that race continues to play a significant role in French society, both socially and politically. This book aims to investigate the various forms of resistance to discrimination that take place in a color-blind context, exploring the experiences of individuals and communities who face prejudice and exclusion.
Chapter 1: Introduction
France's unique position in the global landscape is characterized by its pluralistic, multi-religious, and post-colonial nature. With a long history of immigration, the country has developed a complex and multifaceted identity that is often shaped by its diverse population. However, France's purported color-blindness has led to a lack of recognition of racial or ethnic groups as legitimate social or political categories. This has resulted in a policy framework that does not prioritize the prevention or mitigation of discrimination based on race or ethnicity.
Chapter 2: Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Research
In this chapter, the book explores existing theories on the experience of discrimination and the diverse repertoire of collective action to fight discriminatory practices in France. It features chapters that draw on empirical qualitative research done at various levels of political action, including city, regional, and national levels, and focusing on various actors, such as inhabitants, activists, administrative, judicial, and elected officials. The contributors argue that far from disappearing, race operates at the political level and is embedded in policy design. They highlight the centrality of institutions and policies in the production of a color-blind racial regime. Despite the hostile character of the French political environment, the fight against discrimination takes renewed forms, from infrapolitical tactics to legal battles.
Chapter 3: Resistance to Discrimination in a Color-Blind Context
While the social sciences have faced criticism in recent years, scholarship on France demonstrates the reproduction of ethnoracial inequalities and investigates the forms that resistance to discrimination takes. This chapter explores the various strategies employed by individuals and communities to challenge discriminatory practices, including advocacy, activism, education, and legal action. It also examines the role of social movements.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032578927