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The principle of integration illustrates “the French passion for equality”. It rests on five pillars: measures to compensate inequalities; specific programs aimed at the disadvantaged; a fight against discrimination; a generous policy regarding the granting of the French nationality/citizenship; the development of cultural activities and voluntary associations. These policies take into account the objective elements of people’s lives, without reducing their diversity to a particular origin, ethnic group or religion. This “passion for equality” rejects communitarianism, which freezes various categories of the population in prescribed identities and traps them into a logic of victimization. The failures of integration are first and foremost breaches in the social contract, due to the ignorance of its philosophy and obligations : the social bond disintegrates when the general interest and the common good disappear under the pressure of communitarian groups.