ABSTRACT
Neither the political institutions appraised in Part 2, nor the representative forces analysed in part three of this book can be dissociated from their surrounding social and economic environments. We address several interlocking questions in this chapter. Has the evolution of French society in the post-war period been conflict-ridden or consensual? How resilient is the republican model of citizenship? How is identity construction experienced amongst minority ‘ethnic’ groups? Why are lesser used languages seen as a threat to the French Republic ? What evidence is there of multiple and overlapping identities in contemporary France? We seek answers to these essential questions, each of which inform debates about the future direction of French politics and society.
Table 11.1 portrays the changing French class structure during the post-war period. Even a cursory glance reveals that the old French class configuration has been greatly modified. The peasantry and the traditional bourgeoisie have virtually disappeared. The popular classes (industrial workers, low-status clerical workers, shop assistants) have declined. There has been a marked expansion of the new middle classes (higher-status clerical workers, managers and related workers in the public and private sectors). If French observers broadly agree on the contours of the evolution of French society, however, they disagree firmly upon the interpretation that should accompany this evolution.
