Judging From Above: French Feminists & Their Influence on the Veil Debate

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the international community has found itself questioning France’s application of laïcité and the egalitarianism it supposedly ensures, particularly regarding veils associated with the Islamic faith. Integral to the face veil debate is the advocacy of French feminists, especially those who identify as pro-ban. Overarchingly, pro-ban feminists argue that the practice of wearing face veils or coverings undermines a French citizen’s obligation to foster cohesion in the public sphere through the acceptance of republican norms. This viewpoint informs the analysis of the state of social division in France undertaken here. The tools of analysis include a broad review of secondary literature, the use of various other multi-media avenues, and a thorough investigation into pertinent law-making bodies. Ultimately, the paper concludes that regulations supported by pro-ban feminists have frustrated their objective of promoting gender equality and have only further deepened the divide between Islam and the Republic.