Despite experiencing an early and protracted neoliberal transformation, France has exhibited an
acutely ambiguous stance towards neoliberal practice. This is illustrated by, for example, regular
nationwide protests opposed to policies with an overtly neoliberal flavour, or the coexistence of heavy
taxation and a profound financialisation ...
Despite experiencing an early and protracted neoliberal transformation, France has exhibited an
acutely ambiguous stance towards neoliberal practice. This is illustrated by, for example, regular
nationwide protests opposed to policies with an overtly neoliberal flavour, or the coexistence of heavy
taxation and a profound financialisation of its economy. This article seeks to explain why neoliberalism
successfully developed in France, despite such an ambiguity. The focus will be placed on the
transformation of labour relations, which will reveal the important role played by both the
technocratic elite and firm-level negotiations in legitimating neoliberal practice. It will be argued that
while several relevant sociological explanations offer some valuable insights for making sense of
neoliberalism’s successful development in France, Antonio Gramsci’s concept of ‘passive revolution’
provides a very fruitful basis upon which to capture the singularity of the French case.