Stepping forward to help communication: The ‘mediatrices interculturelles’ in underprivileged areas in France

The article reports on the findings of a large study carried out in France on the role and activities of women working with migrants in underprivileged areas in (mostly) French suburban cities and how they have come to mediate between migrants, but also, underprivileged individuals in general, and local authorities. The work of these ‘médiatrices interculturelles’ exemplifies in various ways the urban policy of the French State instituted by the former socialist government whilst still maintaining the ‘universalist’ profile that characterizes French multiculturalism.