Modern France is an up-to-date and accessible introduction to the nature of French society at the end of the 20th century. The book examines the transition of France and French life as the nation moves from an industrial to a post-industrial economy, and the cultural and social dislocations that such an evolution implies. Sociological concepts and categories of class, race, gender, age and region are discussed in relation to a range of issues such as work, politics, education, health, religion and leisure. The volume demonstrates how a member of the European Union reflects distinctiveness and commonality in the development of Europe as a whole. Contributors: Grace Davie, Howard Davis, Phil Dine, Bruno Dumons and Giles Pollet, Linda Hantrais, Patrick Harismendy, C?cil Laborde, Patrick le Gal?s, Cathie Lloyd, Sue Milner, Ted Neather, and Catherine Rodgers.