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THE FRENCH EXCEPTION

Edited by Emmanuel Godin and Tony Chafer

274 pages, bibliog., index
ISBN 978-1-84545-045-8 Pb $25.00/£15.00 Published ( 2006)
ISBN 978-1-57181-684-9 Hb $80.00/£50.00 Published ( 2005)
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The notion of French exceptionalism is deeply embedded in the nation's self-image and in a range of political and academic discourses. Recently, the debate about whether France really is "exceptional" has acquired a critical edge. Against the background of introspection about the nature of "national identity," some proclaim "normalisation" and the end of French exceptionalism, while others point out to the continuing evidence that France remains distinctive at a number of levels, from popular culture to public policy. This book explores the notion of French exceptionalism, places it in its European context, examines its history and evaluate its continuing relevance in a range of fields from politics and public policy to popular culture and sport.

Emmanuel Godin is Senior lecturer in French and European Studies; Tony Chafer is Principal Lecturer in French and African Studies, both at the University of Portsmouth.

Foreword List of Abbreviations Introduction

PART I: PROBLEMATISING EXCEPTIONALISM

Chapter 1. France and Exceptionalism Nick Hewlett Chapter 2. Exceptionalism and Universalism: The Uneasy Alliance in the French-speaking World Margaret A. Majumdar Chapter 3. The Elusive French Exception Sue Collard

PART II: EXCEPTIONALISM IN POLITICS AND POLICY

Chapter 4. French Communism: An Exceptional Orthodoxy David S. Bell Chapter 5. Does it Make Sense to Treat the Front National as a ‘French Exception’? Emmanuel Godin Chapter 6. The French Administrative Exception: Change and Resistance Anne Stevens Chapter 7. French Industrial Relations – Still Exceptional? Nick Parsons Chapter 8. The French Socialists, Dirigisme and the Troubled Europeanisation of Employment Policy Ben Clift Chapter 9. French Foreign and Defence Policy: Exceptional in Methods and Rhetoric? Janet Bryant

PART III: EXCEPTIONALISM IN FRENCH CULTURE, THE MEDIA AND SPORT

Chapter 10. Presidential Debates in France: An Example of Americanisation? Sheila Perry Chapter 11. The Myth of Exceptionalism? French Television in a West European Context Raymond Kuhn Chapter 12. Cultural Exception(s) in French Cinema Brigitte Rollet Chapter 13. Sport and Politics: Another French Exception Patrick Mignon Chapter 14. French Intellectuals: the Legendary Exception Michael Kelly

Bibliography Notes on Contributors Index

THE FRENCH EXCEPTION

Edited by Emmanuel Godin and Tony Chafer

Contents