Citation

Mucchielli L. J. Ethn. Migr. Stud. 2009; 35(5): 731-751.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13691830902826137

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In Autumn 2005, France witnessed the most important urban riots in its contemporary history. What exactly happened? Through the study of press dispatches and government communiques, I first present a detailed summary of the three weeks of rioting by analysing their birth and development. Second, utilising interviews conducted with rioters and inhabitants of two 'quartiers sensibles' (deprived neighbourhoods), I attempt to understand the motivations of the rioters and perceptions of them by other categories of the populations of these neighbourhoods. I then investigate the social geography of the riots and highlight those characteristics of the 'zones urbaines sensibles' (deprived urban areas) which have been addressed within the contexts of security and city politics over the last quarter of a century. Finally, I discuss the political and social significance of these riots and their possible extension in the future.