The Contemporary Repertoire of Contentious Identity Politics and Religious Conflicts in France

Abstract

This paper analyses the framing and meaning of contentious politics in contemporary France. Building on the work of Charles Tilly and Sidney Tarrow, this study of contention involves two interrelated dimensions. The first one relates to inherited, historical forms of collective action (repertoires). Here, contentious politics varies in connection with political power, institutional regimes, and the dominant culture. In early modern history, such forms of contention were linked to a traditional repertoire of grievances (about bread, belief, or land) and concerns about the purity of the religious community. A new repertoire emerged in the 18th century, as well as new forms of contention. Yet, key components of contentious politics remained, such as concerns about the purity of the nation, and grievances fuelled by the threat posed by "Others." As a result, there are significant similarities between past conflicts about religion, and the current debate over the alleged threats to French secularism.