Policy Press

Racial Diversity in Contemporary France

The Case of Colorblindness

By Marie Neiges Léonard

This unique work reveals how the denial of race as a social category maintains and reproduces systematic racism in contemporary France. Léonard offers an in-depth analysis of contentious issues in society, revealing how color-blind racism is at the centre of social inequality in France.

This book offers a unique perspective on contemporary France by focusing on racial diversity, race, and racism as central features of French society and identity.

Marie des Neiges Léonard critically reviews contentious public policies and significant issues, including reactions to the terrorist attack against satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and policies regarding the Islamic veil, revealing how color-blind racism plays a role in the persistence of racial inequality for French racial minorities.

Drawing from American sociological frameworks, this outstanding study presents a new way of thinking in the study of racial identity politics in today’s France.

“Léonard delivers a refreshing sociological analysis that both rejects colorblindness as a French national policy and demonstrates that racism is alive and well in society and politics.” Casey M. Maugh Funderburk, University of Southern Mississippi

Marie des Neiges Léonard is Lecturer in Sociology at the University of South Alabama.

1. Introduction

2. Race and Racism: Framing the Debate

3. The French Model of Integration and Colorblind Racism

4. Counting Racial Diversity: Naming and Numbering

5. Rioting the Residences and Reclaiming the Republic

6. Islam and the Republic

7. Rethinking Integration and Racial Identity: Beyond the French Exception