Generational differences about the fit of Islam with French values
France has the largest population of Muslims in Europe. This community has at times fitted quite neatly and other times abraded violently against French societal values. France carefully guards its secular nature, and religion plays a much less visible role than it does in other places, such as America. Christianity and Judaism have integrated into French society over decades. In a recent poll, 82 percent and 72 percent of participants said that Catholicism and Judaism were compatible with French society.
However, when it comes to Islam there is marked generational difference of opinion, and a more mixed reaction overall. A survey by pollster CSA for “Le Parisien” newspaper revealed only 54 percent of French thought Islam was no threat to their values, but it revealed a clear generational rift, with younger French being more open to Islam than their elders. Among the under 30s, 68 percent said Islam was compatible with French society, a proportion that shrank with each age category until reaching 36 percent among those over 75. Perhaps this difference means that integration is easier for younger French where tolerance and social liberalization are more likely and augurs well for the longer term prospects of co-habitation.
Sphere: Related ContentThe poll of 1,001 people was carried out on Dec. 2 and 3, after the start of officially sanctioned soul-searching on what it means to be French.
Critics have accused Sarkozy of courting racists and fear mongers with the debate, which is played out in town hall meetings and government-backed Internet forums.
“Even though the state is secular, we can’t erase 1,000 years of Christianity … I believe we have to seriously toughen our immigration and integration policy,” one of the posts on a website read.
In the poll, 82 percent and 72 percent of participants respectively responded that Catholicism and Judaism were compatible with French society.
The discussion has also zeroed in on certain Islamic practices such as wearing veils or headscarves. While some members of Sarkozy’s center-right UMP party have voiced unease with the drift of the debate, others are playing along.
On Thursday, Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie suggested that France should refuse to grant citizenship to men whose wives are fully veiled.
An estimated 5 million Muslims live in France, making up about 8 percent of the population.
Variety News | Half of French say Islam fits with society: poll
