Affirmative exclusion : cultural pluralism and the rule of custom in France / Jean-Loup Amselle ; translated from the French by Jane Marie Todd.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Amselle, Jean-Loup

Standardized Title:

Vers un multiculturalisme français. English

Language:

English

French

Subjects (All):

Multiculturalism--France.

Multiculturalism.

Ethnic relations.

History.

Minorities--Cultural assimilation.

Minorities.

Decolonization--Social aspects.

Decolonization.

France.

Decolonization--Social aspects--France.

Minorities--Cultural assimilation--France.

Muslims--France.

Muslims.

France--Ethnic relations--History.

Physical Description:

xvi, 162 pages ; 23 cm

Edition:

[Second edition].

Place of Publication:

Ithaca, N.Y. : Cornell University Press, 2003.

Summary:

Jean-Loup Amselle explores the issue of multiculturalism by delving into the history of France's confrontation with ethnic difference. Amselle analyzes France's relationship to Egypt, Algeria, and Senegal to show how ideas about difference and assimilation played out in French colonial policies and how these same tensions continue to be problematic as France grapples with cultural pluralism. Arguing against the "liberal communitarian state" as it exists in the United States, Amselle contends that an overemphasis on difference can lead to what he calls "affirmative exclusion" -- the flip side of affirmative action. The recognition of a multiplicity of ethnic groups in France, he asserts, creates an environment that fosters racism.

Contents:

1. The Human Sciences, Natural Law, and the Approach to Difference 8

2. The Origins of French Multiculturalism: The Egyptian Expedition 32

3. French Multiculturalism in Algeria 54

4. Faidherbe: A Republican Raciologist 77

5. Multiculturalism in France 100.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 123-155) and index.

ISBN:

0801439469

0801487471

OCLC:

50982322