Differentialism and the Hijab : Framing Gender, Ethnic and Religious Differences in Germany, France, and Sweden

Abstract

While some countries might have similar views on the meaning of hijab, there have been raging debates on some of the policy measures taken to regulate face veiling. Countries such as France have issued a ban on the wearing of hijab in public institutions, in Germany the decision rests with municipalities or states, and Sweden has little public debate with no prohibitive regulations. This study comparatively examined the issues surrounding the debates on hijab in Germany, France, and Sweden, and the resultant policy outcomes. By framing the debates around the differences and similarities in gender, ethnic or migrant integration, and religious factors, we argue that the debates on hijab and its regulations are influenced by the national models of these factors. The ethno-cultural and multicultural models are accommodative of hijab, unlike the assimilationist model that requires complete absorption to the dominant culture. This study asserts that there are possibilities of convergence of thoughts on how these institutional models can minimize conflicts in multicultural societies where hijab-wearing women are active participants. Thus, the study contributes to our understanding the implications for ethnically and religiously diverse societies and their governance.