Made in France (EPUB) von Andy Smith

This book describes what structures life in France from the cradle to the grave. These rules, norms and power relations are the cumulative products of political work conducted by a wide range of politicians, administrators, business-people and activists. Some French societal structures have changed recently, but most have resisted the siren calls of neo-liberalism, globalization and populism.

Introduction: Societal structuring and political work 1 Childhood, families and initial schooling: Conservative primary socialization 2 Secondary, professional and higher education: When merit reproduces inequalities 3 Going to work: Income, identity and collective action 4 Business time within neo-dirigiste capitalism 5 Thats entertainment! Culture, sport and elitism 6 Social and political activism: State-centred but organizationally fragmented 7 Growing old and passing on: Social protection or structural reproduction? Conclusion: French made today v. yesterday References Index

How has French society been made, by whom and why? And how in turn has it influenced the French? This book sets out the institutionalized rules and norms that continue to structure France, together with the political work that has recently changed or reproduced these power relations. Exploring a range of age groups and types of social activity, including work, business, entertainment, political mobilizations and retirement,Made in France examines where significant change has occurred over the last four decades. Smith argues that while transformation has occurred in France's financial and education sectors, only relatively marginal shifts have occurred elsewhere in French society. To explain this pattern of continuity and isolated change, the book strongly nuances claims that neo-liberalism, globalization or a rise in populism have been its causes. References to these trends have impacted upon French politics to varying extents, Smith argues; however, France continues to be dominated by issues which are specific to the country and linked to its deep societal structures and history. Smith provides a comprehensive account of French society and politics and in doing so proposes an insightful analytical framework applicable to the comparative analysis of other nations.

Andy Smith is a Research Professor at the Centre Emile Durkheim at the University of Bordeaux