AbstractsSociology

France's universalistic idea of citizenry has been complicated by a history of colonialism, racialization, and selective acceptance of difference. Although Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood) is France's motto, the consequences of colonial rule continue to impact the lives of non-autochthonous French citizens today. Since the colonial days, immigrants and citizens of non-European descent have been subjected to structural violence, which has resulted in marginalization, poverty, limited opportunities, and racism. By taking a critical perspective of historical, political, and economical factors, this research traces the building blocks of structural violence that has been exerted on the Franco-Maghrebian minority population in France. This thesis is meant to not only expand the understanding of the lived experiences French citizens of Maghrebian origins, but it also sets out to expand and complicate the anthropological research relating to structural violence. Through extended interviews and participant observation, this research highlights the consequences of structural violence from the perspective of Franco-Maghrebian women in Marseille, France. In these interviews and observations, I found that my informants experienced structural violence through poverty, marginalization, limited resources, restricted opportunities, segregation, negative health consequences, and racism. Furthermore, all of these consequences lead my informants to feel different from their fellow French citizens. Ultimately, what they have experienced is second-class citizenship and alterity within their own country. Advisors/Committee Members: McMurray, David A. (advisor), Rosenberger, Nancy R. (committee member).