Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Discrimination in France - statistics & facts
In France in 2023, 3,129 anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic and racist offenses were reported to the authorities. Discrimination can take many forms such as racism, but also ageism, sexual orientation, or gender-based discrimination. In worst cases, insult, assault, and sometimes even murder can be consequences of the structural discrimination present in the society. For instance, in 2022, 118 femicides were recorded in France, which was one of the highest numbers among European countries.
Moreover, while Black women and lesbians are subject to discriminatory treatment from society, they may also be discriminated against among their peers. Indeed, the experience of Black women in the anti-racist movement has not always been understood in its specificity, and the same is true of feminist struggles, as well as for lesbians within the LGBTQI+ community.
Individual factors and intersectionality
In recent decades, social studies pioneers such as Kimberlé Crenshaw have theorized that factors of discrimination such as skin color, religion, social class or sexual orientation can intersect and thus reinforce each other, giving rise to intersectional discrimination. For instance, the term "misogynoir", invented by Moya Bailey, a black and queer feminist, refers to a form of misogyny directed towards Black women, in which the roles of race and gender coincide. Another example is that of lesbians, who, as women and homosexuals doubly transgress the social norm of heterosexuality.Moreover, while Black women and lesbians are subject to discriminatory treatment from society, they may also be discriminated against among their peers. Indeed, the experience of Black women in the anti-racist movement has not always been understood in its specificity, and the same is true of feminist struggles, as well as for lesbians within the LGBTQI+ community.
Racial discrimination in times of crisis
Discrimination, specifically racial discrimination, has been a social issue for several decades but seems to intensify as the economy deteriorates. Indeed, a surge in racist and xenophobic sentiments often marks periods of economic crisis. In recent elections, the historical scores of Marine Le Pen's far-right party reflected this anti-immigration sentiment shared by an important part of the population. Despite this, French society remains quite divided on this issue.Education and representation
Finally, one of the similarities between the different forms of discrimination is the lack of adequate representation. Women, LGBTQI+, racialized, disabled people, are often absent from mainstream works, or portrayed in stereotypical ways. Furthermore, while religion or ethnicity, which are passed down through generations, allow family members to be role models, this is not necessarily the case for individuals with disabilities or LGBTQI+ people, which is why finding models elsewhere is important.
