This book offers a unique perspective on contemporary France by focusing on racial diversity, race, and racism as central features of French society and identity. Marie des Neiges Léonard critically reviews contentious public policies and significant issues, including reactions to the terrorist attack against satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and policies regarding the Islamic veil, revealing how color-blind racism plays a role in the persistence of racial inequality for French racial minorities. Drawing from American sociological frameworks, this outstanding study presents a new way of thinking in the study of racial identity politics in today's France.

Marie des Neiges Léonard is Professor in Sociology at University of South Alabama.