ABSTRACT
France has a system of nurturing elites that has had its admirers and its critics. The extraordinary transformations of France in the postwar era allowed the elites to ward off criticism and to improve their image. After over a dozen years of Socialist rule, however, the institutions that train and nurture France's governing elites are alive and well. The election of the Left in 1981 was expected to have dramatic consequences for the elitist structures. This critical event in the political life of France was scarcely critical in the life of the elites. The dominant elite in French society traditionally have originated from state service. The public servants have not remained immune to the value change that characterizes French society. Public officials in France are not held to higher moral or ethical standards than other citizens. A centralized political system is also more apt to facilitate national prominence among aspiring politicians.
