”You can’t figure their religion by their face” – En kvalitativ intervjustudie med fem franska unga vuxna om förbudet av religiösa symboler i franska skolan i relation till laïcité

Abstract

”You can’t figure their religion by their face” – A qualitative interview study with five French young adults about the ban of religious symbols in French schools in relation to laïcité

With our study, we aim to examine five French young adults opinions regarding the law on the prohibition of religious symbols in French schools. In addition, we have examined their views in relation to the French concept of laïcité and what consequences a similar law could have for Swedish schools. The study is based on our qualitative interviews with five French young adults, these are then analysed using “väsenmetoden”. As a theoretical framework, we used the concept of laïcité, which may partly be explained as the respectively autonomy of the state and religion. Laïcité is closely associated with philosopher Rousseau's works Of the Social Contract and many of the ideas raised during the French Revolution.

Our study shows that our respondents are in favour of the law banning religious symbols in French schools. The idea that religion and school should be separated from each other is seemingly natural for our respondents and we see a clear connection between the concept of laïcité and the respondents answers. Through the study, we have found both positive and negative aspects of the law. To show religious beliefs through religious symbols in schools are a complex issue, which is proven both among our respondents and in our research survey, which includes Bowen, Salton and Scott. In our study we have concluded, that a law prohibiting religious symbols in schools, does not go well with our view of the Swedish teaching profession’s duty. Although we do not believe the law is consistent with our image of the teaching profession, we have found it very rewarding to gain insight in how these French young adults look at the prohibition of religious symbols in French schools. Through our study, our view of the ban has been broadened and we have been given a greater understanding of different ways of looking at the use of religious symbols in schools.