The Republic, Secularism and Security: France versus the Burqa and the Niqab

This book examines French cultural policies in the face of a perceived challenge to its Republican secular raison d'être, discussing the burqa and niqab ban and the emergence of the new trinity of indivisibilité, sécurité, and laïcité. It raises questions about the ban's social justice, balance between preservation of societal values and freedom of conscience, and the true motives behind it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 66 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate examination of French cultural policies in the face of what the French government perceives as a significant challenge to its Republican secular raison d'être. It offers a broad and insightful analysis of France's evolving identity, while also providing detailed arguments regarding the controversial burqa and niqab ban. Furthermore, the book explores the profound influence of French history on the ideology of secularism and public civil religion, highlighting how colonial legacy, immigration, fear of terrorism, and security needs have shaped France's adoption of the trinity of indivisibilité, sécurité, and laïcité, while simultaneously honoring the traditional trinity of liberté, égalité, and fraternité.

The book argues that while the motto of the French Revolution, which proclaims "liberté, égalité, fraternité," remains symbolically and politically significant, its practical relevance in policy implementation has diminished over time. This is particularly evident when examining the debates surrounding cultural policies in France in the context of the Islamic garb, the burqa, and the niqab, which are perceived as threats to France's national secular raison d'être. The book raises several crucial questions, such as whether the burqa and niqab ban is socially just, whether it strikes a reasonable balance between preserving societal values and safeguarding individual freedom of conscience, and what are the underlying motivations behind this ban. Moreover, in the age of COVID-19, when all individuals are required to wear masks in public spaces, the book examines whether the discourse surrounding the burqa and niqab ban has undergone any significant changes.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and researchers of political science, as well as for a broader audience interested in gaining a deeper understanding of French politics, elections, cultural policy, secularism, and identity. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the challenges and complexities facing France in the 21st century, offering valuable insights into the country's historical, social, and political landscape.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030946685
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022