A Post-Colonial Bouillabaisse: Africans in France — Context and Theory

Abstract

This chapter provides historical and contemporary contextual information and theoretical perspectives to frame and illuminate the experience of Sub-Saharan Africans living in France. First, I discuss how most of the Sub-Saharan Africans in France today are part of a colonial legacy in which Sub-Saharan African immigrants are linked historically and culturally to France, and how these immigrants from different regions and countries constitute a colonial bouillabaisse with shared francophonie (French-speaking) status. I then profile the magnitude of Sub-Saharan Africans as a group compared to other immigrant groups, and in doing so examine the issue of accurately counting those of Sub-Saharan African descent. I next consider the foundations for identity and citizenship in metropolitan France as they may involve the internalization of French culture, jus soli (ties to soil), and the unevenness that manifests itself across immigrant groups. Last, I discuss the history, development, economic marginalization, and social isolation of the banlieues (suburbs) of France today, which are largely inhabited by resident immigrants and those of immigrant descent. In the final section, I introduce the relevant theories and concepts guiding this analysis.