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Understanding the ( R e)Definition of Nationhood in French Cities: A Case of Multiple States and Multiple Republics
Author(s) -
Downing Joseph
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
studies in ethnicity and nationalism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.204
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 1754-9469
pISSN - 1473-8481
DOI - 10.1111/sena.12148
Subject(s) - ethnic group , cultural assimilation , politics , state (computer science) , political science , position (finance) , sociology , political economy , gender studies , law , finance , algorithm , computer science , economics
Both theoretical and empirical accounts of the nation have neglected the city as an arena for the (re)definition of national belonging. This article analyses contemporary F rance to advance theoretical and empirical insights into this process. Rather than presenting F rance as characterized by a Republican, assimilationist position, this article argues F rance is better characterized by competing ‘multiple republics’ with numerous definitions of nationhood. This article identifies three mechanisms of the multiple Republic. In Marseille, the municipal administration acts to redefine the secular character of the nation by bringing religion directly into local politics. This use of religion to redefine nationhood is also present in Lyon, with the key difference that it occurs in symbiosis with European governance. Finally, the Nanterre suburb of Paris demonstrates that the local state also uses notions of ethnicity to redefine the French nation as compatible with ethnic difference.