cultural diversity and integration

« Accompagner la diversité culturelle »

Lublin 12-14 June 2008

Diversité culturelle et intégration. Reflection Elements

Integration policies: some elements in France

«The integration is before everything the experiences of the most diverse women and men sharing usually the same wishes, needs, and common values»

(Higher Council for the Integration– France)

Integration policies (cont)

The integration policy valorises the solidarity, emphasises on resemblances and differences. The process of integration includes also accepting the cultural, social, and moral specific differences.

The cultural diversity in France: some information

France has almost 3,6 million foreigners, three quarters of them coming from 7 different nationalities: Portuguese (18.%), Algerians (17.%), Moroccans (14,5.%), Italians (7.%), Spanish (6.%), Tunisians (5,7.%) et Turks (5,5.%).

Some information (cont)

One fifth of these foreigners are born in France and thus not considered as immigrant.

These immigrating populations can present common features.

Some information (cont)

However, beyond these common factors, the diversity rules.

More than 150 nationalities are present in the national territory with their languages, costumes, traditions, and different life style.

Some information (cont)

From there communities were created (the asian community) is presented under one term

From the 400.000 Asians living in France, there are 100.000 Vietnamese, 70.000 Chinese from Cambodia, 50.000 Chinese from China, 40.000 Laotians et 50.000 Cambodians

Some information (cont)

Within the same nationalities different languages could be practiced. The official language is not necessarily always the spoken language.

Some information (cont)

Half of the turkish population wishing to leave their country to come to France doesn’t speak the official language of their country, and the Chinese practice in France between è7 and 10 major dialects, le mandarin étant fort peu parlé.

Some information (cont)

The regional origins are another factor of differentiation. Half of the Algerian population is Kabyle and half of the Moroccan or Tunisian immigrants are Berber.

Some information (cont)

National, ethnic, linguistic, religious or cultural changes impose that there are no foreigners or immigrants but communities from diverse populations.

Diversity and relationship with the country of origin

Because of the diversity between the populations, the relationship can only be multiple. The conserved relations are from all types: languages, traditions, costumes, food, religion, moeurs,…

This vast whole can be considered the «cultural diversity».

Diversity and relationship with the country of origin (cont)

In some African countries, the child lives outside but under the control of the social community.

Diversity and relationship with the country of origin (cont)

In France the same cultural habits leave the children in the streets away from social controls that belong to the African society and exposes them to the risks of the urban occidental life.

Integration et culture of origin

All migrants arriving to a new country, searches its compatriots, members of his community in order to eliminate isolation and complete deracing.

Integration et culture of origin (cont)

It is the absence of familiarities that is dangerous. Each one needs to be attached more or less to who he was or who he is.

Integration et culture of origin (cont)

Not only the migrants who feel the need to stay in contact with their culture of origin.

Integration et culture of origin (cont)

Each one can show the need to know their origins. Young French, could search to know the history and culture of their parents. They have the right to this knowledge that can confirm their identity.

Integration et culture of origin (cont)

Understanding ourselves allows us to accept ourselves better and for the others to accept us better and thus allows better integration.

Integration et culture of origin (cont)

Paradoxe : integration means knowledge of ourselves, our origin and this knowledge allows understanding and assumed integration and thus successful.

Thank you