The Sociological Sciences in France: Organization and Development Since 1945

Abstract

Sociological research in France is conducted by governmental research organizations, notably in the national ministry of education, and by a few non-governmental groups. The most important of the many organizations is the Centre d'etudes sociologiques, whose staff both conducts investigations and coordinates the work of numerous related bodies. French sociology is suffering from growing pains, however. The demands of fundamental and applied research sometimes conflict, research groups and the university system are often inflexible, and there is a need for more personnel. There is also the problem of meager funds and the sensitivity of government-financed research to political trends.