Sociologists Guénaëlle Gault and Jean Viard said how French holiday practices reflect broader societal changes during a June 9, 2024, broadcast [1].
Their analysis explores the transition of the French social model, suggesting that vacations now symbolize a shift from a "society of having" to a different way of experiencing life. By examining how people spend their leisure time, the authors argue that holiday choices reveal deep-seated political and social identities.
In their book, "Le livre des vacances… et ce qu'elles disent de nous," the authors trace the history of leisure in France. They note that France voted to grant two weeks of paid vacation to all employees in 1936 [3]. This landmark legislation established the foundation for the modern French holiday culture, which has evolved over the 90 years since the law was passed [3].
Jean Viard, a sociologist and director of research at the CNRS at the Sciences Po Paris political research center, said that leisure is not neutral. Viard said there are indeed "left-wing vacations" and "right-wing vacations" [2]. This distinction implies that the way individuals choose to disconnect from work often aligns with their ideological leanings and social class.
Guénaëlle Gault, the general director of the Observatoire Société et Consommation and a teacher, co-authored the work to highlight how consumption patterns in tourism have shifted [1]. The study looks at the move away from traditional ownership and toward experiential travel. This trend is further analyzed through the lens of specific industry examples, such as the Huttopia collection, which has existed for 26 years [4].
The discussion on France Inter’s "L’invité de 8h20" emphasizes that the act of vacationing is no longer just about rest. Instead, it serves as a mirror for the changing values of the French population, moving from the accumulation of material goods toward the pursuit of specific social and cultural experiences [1].
“There are indeed 'left-wing vacations' and 'right-wing vacations'”
The research indicates that leisure time has become a primary marker of social identity in France. By shifting the focus from the 'society of having' to the 'society of being' or experiencing, the authors suggest that consumer behavior during holidays provides a more accurate map of current class and political divisions than traditional economic metrics.
