In France, unions between immigrants and non-immigrants are generally considered as an indicator of integration. In this article, the author addresses sexual mixing in relation to the discrimination experienced by minority groups. Taking into account both racism and the gendered meaning of sexual mixing, the article is based on a quantitative survey conducted among migrant women and men from sub-Saharan Africa living in France. The results show that migration is connected to sexual mixing but the field of possibilities declines in more formalised couple relationships, when partners are living together. Thus, these couples are mainly in non-mixed relationships (both partners are from the same country). In contrast, extra-African mixing (one partner is of European origin, mainly French) and intra-African mixing (the partners are from two different sub-Saharan African countries) characterize the majority of non-cohabiting couples. The frequency of intra-African mixing shows how the boundaries of belonging are redefined in racial terms, in relation to shared Black and African identities, and to workplace and housing segregation. Heterosexual coupling, more than non-mixing, appears as a key explanatory factor for male domination.
Abstract
English
Author
Élise
Marsicano
Cite
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