ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the history of the term community as it has developed in sociology and social analysis and then provides an analysis of its current usage in the Britain and France. Although in France the notion of 'community' does not exist formally, the prolonged social crisis is forcing the state to rethink its traditional relationship with its citizens. The notion of 'community' despite contemporary perceptions and difficulties with the concept has a long but rather different history in France. Britain and France are attempting to resolve critical issues concerning discrimination and inequality. The chapter looks at two theories concerned with new ways of re-invigorating the state-citizen relationship. The theories are: Amitai Etzioni's conception of 'Communitarianism' and Paul Hirst on 'Associative Democracy'. The chapter concludes by considering the situation in respect of the newer ethnic groups in both countries. These newer ethnic groups have been chosen as a point of reference because their situation highlights the issues under consideration.
