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Based on in-depth interviews with people throughout France who trace their origins to non-European countries, Foreigners in Their Own Country reports on the experience of not being seen as “French” because of one’s physical appearance. Paying close attention to how individuals speak about themselves and their feelings of acceptance or rejection, this book provides an intimate account of the challenges faced by the millions of people in France—and throughout Western Europe—who fully participate in the life of their country but are often not seen as belonging there.
“This excellent new book by Martin, an anthropologist, is based upon extensive in-depth interviews and field work throughout France over a two-year period. The aim of the interviews and the overall project is to shed light on the experience of those individuals who are not seen as "French" because of their race and background. Martin succeeds in helping his subjects give voice to their stories of acceptance and rejection in everyday life within their country yet how they remain outsiders not necessarily by choice.” • Choice
“Harnessing an innovative ethnographic approach, Lawrence Martin masterfully taps into the racial dynamics of contemporary French society. This study will be valuable for scholars, policymakers, and students throughout Western Europe who are dealing with the crisis relating to so-called minorities in their countries.” • Paris Aslanidis, Yale University
Lawrence M. Martin studied anthropology at Yale University and the University of Chicago. He practiced law before returning to anthropology in 2009. He has conducted fieldwork in Mali, Morocco, and France, and taught a course in ethnography at Yale.
Part I
Chapter 1. Maghrebis: Making Their Way in French Society
Chapter 2. Black in a White World
Chapter 3. Neither Maghrebi nor Black
Part II
Chapter 4. Feeling Inferior, Fearing Rejection
Chapter 5. Romantic Attraction and Marriage
Chapter 6. To be Muslim, or Assumed to be Muslim
References
Appendix