Double Entendre: Diversity and Inclusion in Contemporary France
Open Access
Author:
Bethman, Christina Marie
Area of Honors:
French and Francophone Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Heather Mc Coy, Thesis Supervisor J.-Marc Authier, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Diversity and Inclusion Diversity Inclusion Human Resources Ressources Humaines France Travail French L'Oréal Monoprix
Abstract:
Diversity and Inclusion is at the forefront of prevalent topics in today’s globalized economy. All throughout the world, there is varying discourse about what the definition of diversity is, and how it can be addressed to ensure inclusive action. In the professional world, as the pioneers for diversity and inclusion in a workplace, the human resource function of any large organization is tasked with addressing diversity, and developing a plan of action for inclusion. In France, due to its long-standing historical and cultural difficulties with the subject of diversity and its role in French society today, does not provide a substantial basis for what diversity is and how to address it. The central question that cuts to the core of the contents of this paper is: In a nation that does not conceive of itself as a diverse nation, cultivate inclusion? By extension, how can the Human Resource function of any organization define diversity and implement inclusivity, given societal and legislative limitations? This thesis will attempt to answer these questions and more by assessing the historical and legislative impact of the French nation’s attitude toward diversity and inclusion and professional world case studies.
