From cultural citizenship to suspect citizenship: Notes on rethinking full societal inclusion

Abstract

Based on past and current ethnographic research and interviews with ethnic minorities in the Parisian metropolitan region, I argue that despite France’s colorblind and Republican ethos, France’s “visible minorities” function under a “suspect citizenship” in which their full societal belonging is never granted. I focus on the growing problem of state violence against ethnic minorities which reveals how France is creating a “bright boundary” (Alba 2005) between whites and non-whites, furthering disparate outcomes based on race and ethnic origin. By considering the multifaceted dimensions of citizenship and belonging in France, I demonstrate the limitations of full societal inclusion for France’s non-white denizens and how French Republicanism continues to mark, rather than erase, racial and ethnic distinctions.

Current Challenges to the Protection of (Neo)pagans’ Religious Freedom in the Baltic States

“…Studies providing theoretical insights into the problems of religious diversity and social inclusion (Beaman 2023), (Ezzy et al 2023) argue that, in a religiously plural environment, both legally binding laws and the everyday interactions of people belonging to different religions play an important role. Moreover, it is emphasised that it is the interaction in everyday life that is primary.…”

‘Dutch’ according to children and mothers: Nationality stereotypes and citizenship representation

“…Europe provides interesting contexts for the topic, as whiteness is described as an essential part of what is thought of as the European identity (Ammaturo, 2018;Begum, 2023;Hansen, 2004). Similarly, work from France delineates that it is race in particular that defines who is included in citizenship representations (Beaman, 2023). Relatedly, national labels are often used to refer to White people, albeit at an implicit level (Essed & Trienekens, 2008;Moffitt & Juang, 2019;Müller, 2011).…”

“…Relatedly, national labels are often used to refer to White people, albeit at an implicit level (Essed & Trienekens, 2008;Moffitt & Juang, 2019;Müller, 2011). As a consequence, ethnic-racial minorities in different European countries are often perceived and treated as foreigners, despite having legal citizenship (Beaman, 2023;Juang et al, 2021). At the same time, national identities in Europe are argued to be least inclusive of Muslim minorities (Fleischmann & Phalet, 2018).…”