Synopses & Reviews
This book offers an in-depth analysis of political life in France and Europe at the beginning of the 21st century at a time of change and crisis. Encompassing questions about values, political actors and electoral choices, it is dedicated particularly to scholars and students enrolled in comparative politics programs.
Readers will find scientific answers to the highly debated question both in Europe and elsewhere: in what way are the French different from other Europeans? Using comparative surveys, the authors carry out an empirical examination on the very specific nature of French politics as well as on convergent trends in Europe.
Each chapter is based on a double scientific approach: the first assesses what distinguishes France from other major European countries. The second measures political homogeneity in Europe. Each chapter makes systematic use of the results of the first two waves of the European Social Survey, whose scope is unprecedented and whose methodological rigour ensured that it was awarded one of the most prestigious academic prizes in Europe - the Descartes prize - in 2005. In total, France is thus compared to Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
About the Author
Pascal Perrineau is Professor and head of the Centre for Political Research (CEVIPOF) Sciences Po, Paris. He has written and edited many books on French elections and political life.
Luc Rouban is CNRS Research Director at the CEVIPOF, Sciences Po, Paris. He has published extensively on comparative public administration and political elites.
Table of Contents
Political Representation in Crisis--Pascal Perrineau * Political Values and Attitudes in Europe--Etienne Schweisguth * Religion and Politics--Jean-Marie Donegani * Gender and Politics--Janine Mossuz-Lavau * Young People and Politics--Anne Muxel * Interest Groups in France and in Europe--Emiliano Grossman * Unions and Politics--Guy Groux * Political and Administrative Elites--Luc Rouban * The Media and the Search for Political Information--Arnaud Mercier * What Remains of the Class Vote?--Nonna Mayer * The Green Movement--Daniel Boy * Socialism in Europe--Henri Rey * The Political Right in France and Europe--Florence Haegel * National-Populism--Pascal Perrineau * France and Europe--Luc Rouban