How did French and Australian assimilationist policies differ from each other?

Question

France promoted the idea of scientific racism, while Australia rejected it in favor of social Darwinism
France created schools willing Indigenous peoples, while Australia took children to forcibly assimilate Indigenous peoples, while Australia took children to forcibly assimilate Indigenous peoples
France and Australia used the same assimilationist policies in every instance.
Australia promoted the use of scientific racism when determining who would receive rights, while France used a policy of intermarriage.

Answer 1

French and Australian assimilationist policies differed significantly in their approach and implementation. Here are the key differences:

1. Conceptual Framework:

   • France: French assimilationist policies were based on the idea of integrating Indigenous peoples into French culture through education and civic inclusion. The French Republic envisioned a model of cultural assimilation where individuals could attain French citizenship by adopting French language and customs.
   • Australia: Australia's assimilationist policies were more focused on the physical and cultural separation of Indigenous peoples from the dominant society. The policies aimed to "civilize" Indigenous peoples through more coercive means, often involving the removal of children from their families (the Stolen Generations).

2. Methods of Assimilation:

   • France: France established schools and programs designed to educate Indigenous peoples, promoting French language and culture as a means of integration. The approach was more centric around the idea of enlightenment and civilizing missions rather than outright coercion.
   • Australia: Australian policies were much harsher, particularly in their implementation. The removal of Aboriginal children from their families was a deliberate strategy aimed at erasing Indigenous cultures and languages, under the rationale of providing them with a 'better life' in white society.

3. Racism and Social Theories:

   • France: While France did engage in debates around race, it largely rejected strict racial hierarchies in favor of a universal citizenship model, albeit with significant challenges in implementation.
   • Australia: Australian policies were often influenced by scientific racism, which classified individuals based on race and justified discriminatory practices. This was evident in policies that restricted rights based on racial classifications.

4. Intermarriage and Rights:

   • France: The French model potentially encouraged intermarriage as a means of cultural assimilation, viewing it as a way to create a blended society.
   • Australia: Intermarriage was less encouraged, and Indigenous peoples were often marginalized, facing systemic discrimination that limited their rights and recognition.

In summary, the key distinctions lie in the methods and ideologies employed by each nation toward Indigenous peoples, with France focusing on cultural assimilation via education and civic rights, while Australia engaged in more coercive practices that enforced cultural erasure and social segregation.