Ethno-Racial Discrimination Experiences Through Class and Gender Perspectives: Understanding Pathways to Anti-Discrimination Engagement in Working-Class Neighborhoods

This research examines how individuals experiencing ethno-racial and religious discrimination engage in collective action, with particular attention to the role of class and gender. While existing literature often assumes a direct correlation between experiencing discrimination and engaging in anti-discrimination movements, our research reveals more complex dynamics at play. Our study draws from extensive fieldwork conducted between 2014 and 2018 as part of the EODIPAR research project, examining nine working-class neighborhoods in France and abroad. Through qualitative analysis of 121 cases of individuals who faced discrimination, we explore how social class, educational capital, and gender shape different forms of political engagement. The research addresses three key questions: First, is engagement in anti-discrimination struggles necessarily a consequence of discriminatory experiences, or can it stem from other factors? Second, how do prior political socialization and educational capital help individuals name and mobilize against experienced injustices? Third, what role do class and gender play in the transition from experiencing discrimination to engaging in collective action? Our findings reveal three distinct patterns of response to discrimination. First, approximately 20% of our sample (24 individuals) directly engage in formal anti-discrimination organizations. Within this group, we distinguish between those whose engagement directly results from discriminatory experiences and those motivated by broader social or professional aspirations. Second, we identify a larger group (32 individuals, predominantly from educated middle classes) who respond to discrimination through alternative forms of political action outside traditional anti-discrimination organizations. A significant finding is the emergence of what we term "institutionnel activism" among middle-class minorities. These individuals often leverage their social mobility to advance diversity and inclusion within institutions, developing what can be described as institutional activism. This form of engagement allows minoritized individuals to advocate for diversity-related demands within political, economic, or associative spheres. However, this institutional positioning creates specific tensions. Our research contributes to the field by revealing how class and educational capital influence the forms and possibilities of anti-discrimination engagement. Middle-class minorities often develop technical expertise (legal, economic, or administrative) and build alliances with other social groups. This analysis extends beyond simple categorizations of engagement/non-engagement, revealing the complex interplay between social mobility, institutional integration, and forms of resistance. It contributes to understanding how intersecting social positions shape political responses to discrimination, suggesting that effective anti-discrimination strategies must consider these various forms of engagement and their specific constraints.