Should France produce ethnic statistics?

Audio 29:30

French government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye, here on June 10, 2020, has revived the debate on ethnic statistics. Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP

By: Guillaume Naudin Follow

It is a debate that is as old as the principle of equality in France and the manifestations of racism and discrimination in the country.

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This debate was revived during recent demonstrations against police violence and discussions on systemic racism in French society. Government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye revived it before being challenged by at least two ministers from the same government. This debate is about statistics based on origins. He opposes supporters of this way of seeing things to those of republican universalism. Should France produce ethnic statistics? This is the question of the day.

To discuss it :
- Cloé Korman , writer, author of the book " Tu resembles à une juive " (January 2020 at Éditions du Seuil), winner of the Inter Book Prize for the novel " Les Hommes-couleurs " (2010 at Éditions du Seuil )
- Patrick Simon , demographer at INED (National Institute for Demographic Studies)
- Dominique Sopo , president of SOS Racisme.

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  • Society
  • Racism
  • French politics

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Ethnic statistics: the French government reopens the debate

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