Origins of the French Welfare State

The Struggle for Social Reform in France, 1914–1947

Paul V Dutton author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:16th May '02

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Origins of the French Welfare State cover

A comprehensive analysis of public and private welfare in France 1914–1947.

This is the first comprehensive analysis of public and private welfare in France available in English or French, which offers a deeply-researched explanation of how France's welfare state came to be and why the French are so attached to it.This is the first comprehensive analysis of public and private welfare in France available in English, or French, which offers a deeply-researched explanation of how France's welfare state came to be and why the French are so attached to it. The author argues that France simultaneously pursued two different paths toward universal social protection. Family welfare embraced an industrial model in which class distinctions and employer control predominated. By contrast, protection against the risks of illness, disability, maternity, and old age followed a mutual aid model of welfare. The book examines a remarkably broad cast of actors that includes workers' unions, employers, mutual leaders, the parliamentary elite, haut fonctionnaires, doctors, pronatalists, women's organizations - both social Catholic and feminist - and diverse peasant organisations. It also traces foreign influences on French social reform, particularly from Germany's former territories in Alsace-Lorraine and Britain's Beveridge Plan.

'Although this is a book of finely crafted history, complete with ample archival sources and rich empirical detail, it will be of interest to a much larger readership than period or area scholars only. This is the case particularly because Dutton is interested in the associational origins of the welfare state, a topic that has generated a great deal of research of late.' Canadian Journal of Sociology Online
'… refreshingly clear and concise account …'. The Times Literary Supplement
' … excellent study.' J. Colman

ISBN: 9780521813341

Dimensions: 236mm x 160mm x 21mm

Weight: 538g

268 pages