Books & ideas

Towards a critical approach to social mix

Éric Charmes — 2014-03-17T08:00:00Z

What if social mix was not always the best way to promote equality and social justice? Éric Charmes argues in favour of a pragmatic approach to diversity, and is not afraid of challenging some of our most deep-seated ideas about education, housing or urban policy. But how can we live together if public spaces are being increasingly restricted? Let the debate begin.

Revolution and Redistribution

Charles Walton — 2013-04-23T07:51:07Z

When we think about revolutions, don't economic interests tend to be left out of the equation? For the last two decades political and cultural questions have made social justice appear a secondary concern. According to historian Charles Walton, the problem of redistribution, already apparent in 18^th century revolutions, is also central to Egyptian revolutionaries.

Post-colonial Governance on a French Island

Nicolas Roinsard — 2012-06-20T12:56:09Z

Mayotte joined the ranks of French departments in 2011. Although it passed almost unnoticed, the event reflects an integration that began in the 1970s but that is likely to continue for many years to come. The case of this small island raises the question of how colonial modes of governance can be ended in France's overseas territories.

For a Social Investment Pact in Europe

Anton Hemerijck & Bruno Palier & Frank Vanderbroucke — 2011-06-15T08:33:00Z

Three researchers react against the perspective for European countries of drastic austerity and emphasize the need, central to the Lisbon Agenda, for social investment. Investing in the skills of individuals from their early age, in adapting and securing changing professional trajectories and reconciling professional and family life is crucial for the renewal of solidarity in Europe.

The French Social Welfare Model, as Seen from the Polders

Antoine Bevort — 2011-01-26T09:22:49Z

For the Dutch, the French social model seems particularly generous. However, no real comparison is possible if the facts are taken out of context. The understanding of the Dutch proverb ‘To live like God in France' changes somewhat when we consider Antoine Bevort's investigation of the differences between social relations in France and in the Netherlands.