Looking beyond the hijab: An analysis of Muslim adaptation to French culture.

Abstract

*This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation).

The results of this study reveal cultural adaptation has failed in France, the Muslim and non-Muslim French populations are in an identity crisis and that in response to mounting pressures to assimilate, the French-Muslim community (ummah) has responded by closing its doors to outside influence. Moreover, this examination reveals how Islam is in a transformation stage, from a magic/mythic religion into a more perspectival religion. Ultimately, this analysis calls for a communicative society, one where all members of the culture will meet together and discuss the issue of Muslim immigration and French integration practices.*

This dissertation examines Muslim cultural adaptation to French culture. Specifically, this project asserts the Muslim symbol hijab, or headscarf, is a religious and cultural symbol of Islam that is in direct clash with the French concept of secularism. In 2004 the French government passed a resolution forbidding the wearing of the hijab in French public schools. In response to this resolution Muslim men and women protested and have begun to argue for the establishment of a French-Muslim identity. Thus, this analysis closely examined the 2004 law in regard to how it has potentially impacted Muslim cultural adaptation into French culture.