Inequalities Journal of Critical Inequality Studies

Journal | Inequalities
Journal issue | The Globalisation of Social Polarisation Within Nations
Research Article | Du système des inégalités aux classes sociales

Du système des inégalités aux classes sociales

On the basis of data provided by the public statistics apparatus, a methodical analysis of the inequalities existing between social categories is able to support the thesis of the persistence of the division of French society into social classes. In recent decades neoliberal policies have accentuated these inequalities. In addition, French society, like all others, is crossed by other cleavages. We will return briefly to these elements in the first section (1). We will then recall the theoretical stakes raised by the concept of social classes, in other words the problematic to which this concept intends to respond and the terms in which it meets it (2). Finally, we will draw from this analysis of inequalities some general conclusions: first those concerning their systemic nature; second, the fact that they always result from a conflictuality involving policies, private and public; finally, the fact that these inequalities are confronting collective subjects (3).


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Dec. 13, 2023 | Published: May 20, 2024 | Language: fr

Keywords Social classes System of inequalities France Social inequalities Social categories


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