Islamic Headscarf Controversy in France

Aamer Raza,Rashid Ahmad

doi:10.37556/al-idah.038.01.0611

Abstract

The controversy regarding the French ban on wearing of Islamic scarf in Public spaces has divided the French public for at least two decades. This paper uses culture as an explanatory framework to underscore that the issue of the headscarf has assumed greater significance because it has come to be viewed as a symbol of French Muslim identity. Subsequently, Muslim groups view the exclusion of the scarf from public spaces as exclusion of Muslim identity as part of French social fabric. The paper argues that culture which is the source of the issue also has the potential to resolve the dispute.

Highlights

The controversy regarding the French ban on wearing Islamic scarf in public spaces has divided the French public for at least two decades
Muslim groups object to the legislation on the ground that it undermined the right of Muslim women to religious expression
Cultural Contestation and Islamic Headscarf Controversy in France: On account of its emphasis on cultural expression and symbolism, cultural contestation approach provides a useful framework for looking at the headscarf controversy

Summary

Introduction

The controversy regarding the French ban on wearing Islamic scarf in public spaces has divided the French public for at least two decades. The law did not specify any particular religious group or symbol (a type of clothing), it was clear to most observers that the law was meant to prohibit Muslim girls from wearing headscarves in French public schools The debate about headscarf in French schools presents an interesting case of conflict arising from associating different values and meaning associated with cultural symbols.

Results

Conclusion