The hijab and systemic governance: transnational policy making and human rights

Abstract

AbstractThe banning of the hijab along with other religious symbols in French public schools from 1st September 2004 can be cited as an example of a complex issue. It is also an example of policy making, that treats the wearing of the hijab (and other religious symbols) as representative of an essentialist religious category that is symbolic of both identity and worldview. All religious symbols in public schools are banned, but the discretion is with local schools as to how the law will be managed through discussion with the student. This article addresses the policy by ‘unfolding’ the values of the different stakeholders and ‘sweeping in’ the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental factors (adapted from Churchman, 1979a, b, 1984, who cites Edgar Singer). Both cultures Christian and Muslim need to consider the merits of using the least powerful as a site for the struggle over identity politics, shorthand for the systemic fall out post 9/11. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.