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: Paperback / softback
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 choices expanded in 2010 with the introduction of legislation that prohibited the wearing of clothing that covered the face, primarily targeting women who chose to wear burqas. This legislation was met with strong opposition from various quarters, including religious and human rights organizations, who argued that it violated the fundamental rights of individuals to express their faith and cultural identity.

President Emmanuel Macron, in his public statements, has expressed his view that the hijab, a religious garment worn by some Muslim women, is not in line with the French ideals of secularism and equality. This stance has sparked a heated debate and has led to increased scrutiny of Muslim communities in France.

Islamophobia in France manifests itself in various forms, both explicit and implicit. It often appears to be sanctioned by the governing bodies themselves, contributing to a sense of marginalization and discrimination against Muslim individuals. This cultural bias serves as a scapegoat for the problematic status of immigrants in France more broadly, perpetuating a cycle of prejudice and discrimination.

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 arose out of structures of power and control already in place in France. Through a comprehensive analysis of data and empirical evidence, the authors demonstrate 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 book offers a nuanced and empirically grounded understanding of Islamophobia in France. It sheds light on the ways in which it is perpetuated through media narratives, political discourse, and legal frameworks. The authors also provide a critical analysis of the ways in which Muslim communities have responded to these challenges, highlighting the resilience and creativity of these communities in navigating the complexities of French society.

In conclusion, Islamophobia in France is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. While the ban on veils in schools and the legislation prohibiting clothing that covers the face may have been intended to promote secularism and equality, they have had unintended consequences and have perpetuated cultural biases and discrimination against Muslim individuals. It is essential to recognize the roots of Islamophobia and to work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful society for all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820363257