Islamophobia in France: The Construction of the "Muslim Problem

France banned Muslim women from wearing veils in school in 2004 and passed legislation in 2010 that banned the wearing of clothing in public that covered the face, mainly to target women who wore burqas. President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the hijab is not in accordance with French ideals. Islamophobia in France takes many forms, both explicit and implicit, and often appears to be sanctioned by the governing bodies themselves. This cultural bias reveals how the Muslim population acts as a scapegoat for the problematic status of immigrants in France more generally.

Format: Hardback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

In 2004, France took a significant step towards restricting the religious expression of Muslim women by banning the wearing of veils in schools. However, the country's approach to regulating clothing that covered the face, particularly burqas, became more stringent in 2010 when legislation was passed to prohibit such attire in public spaces. President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his view that the hijab, a religious garment worn by some Muslim women, does not align with the French ideals of secularism and equality.

The prevalence of Islamophobia in France manifests itself in various forms, both explicit and implicit. It is often sanctioned by the governing bodies themselves, contributing to a culture of prejudice and discrimination against the Muslim population. This phenomenon serves as a scapegoat for the problematic status of immigrants in France more broadly, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization and exclusion.

Hajjat and Mohammed's book, "Islamophobia: Comment les e´lites franc¸aises fabriquent le proble`me musulman," delves into the origins and mechanisms of Islamophobia in France. The authors argue that it is not the result of individual prejudice or supposed Muslim cultural or racial deficiencies but rather arises out of structures of power and control already in place in France. Through a comprehensive analysis of data on Islamophobia, the book provides a detailed account of how French elites deploy Islamophobia as a state technology for contesting and controlling the presence of specific groups of postcolonial immigrants and their descendants in contemporary France.

The introduction to the U.S. edition of the book offers valuable insights into the context and significance of Islamophobia in the United States. It highlights the similarities and differences between France and the United States in terms of their historical experiences with immigration, religious diversity, and the politics of identity. The authors emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of Islamophobia in order to challenge and dismantle the discriminatory practices that perpetuate it.

In conclusion, Islamophobia in France is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By examining the historical, social, and political factors that contribute to this phenomenon, we can better understand the challenges faced by Muslim communities in France and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820363240