Book explores distrust in France

In Légitime défiance, sociologist Alexis Spire examines how distrust in the French state is growing, especially among those who feel let down by its promises and actions. The book analyzes the evolving relationship between citizens and the state, highlighting how the state continues to regulate and direct public life, even as it becomes more distant and less protective.

Firefighters and students mobilize

In late 2026, firefighters and high school students in France took to the streets, reflecting a broader frustration with state policies. Firefighters, tasked with managing increasing demands due to climate-related crises, and students facing underfunded schools and unclear admission processes, both expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s ability to support them.

Distrust as a social phenomenon

Spire argues that distrust is not a new phenomenon but has become more visible as people experience inequality and broken promises. This distrust is shaped by individual experiences with state institutions, which vary based on social background, age, and access to resources. Some groups interact with the state more frequently and on more material terms than others.

Fragmentation of public services

Public services in France are increasingly concentrated in large cities, leaving rural areas with fewer resources and worsening inequalities. Decisions made by larger, more centralized institutions also become less transparent, and the shift to digital platforms has reduced direct contact between citizens and administrative staff, further distancing people from the state.

State outsourcing and privatization

The French state is outsourcing more of its responsibilities to private companies and non-governmental organizations, which has changed how public work is experienced. This shift has led to more tasks for employees, fewer resources, and a growing sense of disillusionment among public sector workers, who now face both higher expectations and less support.

Distrust reshapes collective action

As a result of these changes, distrust is not just a feeling but a force that is reshaping how people engage in collective action. It is pushing movements away from traditional organizations and toward new forms of engagement that reject hierarchical structures and state-imposed norms, seeking to redefine what solidarity and public action mean in contemporary France.