Description
Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive analysis of the philosophical issues raised by the hijab controversy in France, this book also conducts a dialogue between contemporary Anglo-American and French political theory and defends a progressive republican solution to so-called multicultural conflicts in contemporary societies. It critically assesses the official republican philosophy of laïcité which purported to justify the 2004 ban on religious signs in schools. Laïcité is shown to encompass a comprehensive theory of republican citizenship, centered on three ideals: equality (secular neutrality of the public sphere), liberty (individual autonomy and emancipation) and fraternity (civic loyalty to the community of citizens). Challenging official interpretations of laïcité, the book then puts forward a critical republicanism which does not support the hijab ban, yet upholds a revised interpretation of three central republican commitments: secularism, non-domination and civic solidarity. Thus, it articu
Trade ReviewA provocative and stimulating read...Laborde's work above all facilitates a transatlantic conversation about the meaning of republicanism in modern political thought...A surefooted and intelligent guide to debates over identity politics in France...models a way to think about reforming 'non-ideal' societies and deserves the attention to anyone seriously interested in doing so. * French Politics, Culture and Society *
Table of ContentsEGALITE: ON REPUBLICAN NEUTRALITY; LIBERTE: ON REPUBLICAN AUTONOMY; FRATERNITE: ON REPUBLICAN SOLIDARITY
