The Niqab in France: Between Piety and Subversion

Agnès De Féo's The Niqab in France is a groundbreaking study that explores the phenomenon of niqab wearing in French Salafi communities. It is a multivalent garment worn for various reasons, ranging from religious piety to rebellion against mainstream society. The author's research based on more than 200 interviews debunks myths and sheds light on a practice that is often misunderstood and prejudiced. The book offers unique insight into the lives of women who wear the niqab and challenges preconceived notions and stereotypes about Islamic apparel.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Fordham University Press

This captivating new work is the remarkable outcome of sociologist and documentary filmmaker Agnès De Féos decade-long exploration into the phenomenon of niqab-wearing. It seamlessly blends a groundbreaking study with a series of compelling first-person accounts from French and Francophone women who have either worn or currently wear the niqab within the Salafi communities in France. Set against the backdrop of the French governments 2010 ban on full facial veiling in public spaces, which itself has played a significant role in shaping this phenomenon, De Féo draws upon her subjects' own words to showcase their agency and challenge the often-perpetuated clichés surrounding public perceptions of the niqab. Instead of attributing it solely to masculine pressure, extreme religiosity, nationalism, or a submissive desire to disappear, De Féo presents a multifaceted perspective, revealing that the niqab serves various purposes for women, ranging from religious piety to a desire to rebel against mainstream society, family, or the rule of law. The reasons behind these choices are intricate, multifaceted, and sometimes contradictory, but they ultimately belong to the individual women who wear them.

Despite being worn by a relatively small minority of Muslim women, the niqab has sparked intense political, religious, and cultural debates in France. Seeking to understand rather than speculate, De Féo chose to approach the individuals who wear the niqab, making them the focal point of her research. Her groundbreaking study, based on over 200 interviews, delves into the myriad factors—social, political, geopolitical, and psychological—that underpin a personal decision that may not always be purely religious.

The book concludes with sixteen captivating interviews that offer a rare glimpse into stories seldom heard. With finesse and discernment, the author skillfully debunks the myths surrounding the wearing of the niqab and sheds light on the complex realities faced by those who choose to wear it. This thought-provoking work contributes to our understanding of the niqab and its impact on French society, challenging us to approach the topic with empathy and an open mind.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531504649