Youth riots in France: issues of immigration and education

Abstract

The article analyzes the riots experienced by France in the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006. The author juxtaposes traditional «classical» expression of student unrest in Europe and the rioting of suburban thugs. Students’ manifestations are viewed as a legitimate means of expression in a free state and a way for society to influence state decisions, while immigrant riots are considered to be a consequence of serious political miscalculations in policies to immigrants, in the actions of the law enforcement authorities, and in the sphere of education. These mistakes resulted in the emergence of a new social group with their own mentality. The author compares this mentality to that of a «difficult teenager». The author reviews the measures taken by the French authorities to change the situation and compares the situation to that of Russia.