Author: Daloz, Jean-Pascal

Source: French Politics, Volume 6, Number 3, September 2008 , pp. 302-320(19)

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract:

The term `proximité' has been very much in vogue during the past few years. J.-P. Raffarin recurred to it often when he was Prime Minister and so constantly do many French politicians and bureaucrats. Proximity, as understood by local analysts, is largely dismissed as a mere ideological device aiming at resolving the so-called `crisis of representation'. However, according to some authors (Le Bart and Lefevbre, 2005), the success of such a slogan would also be an indicator of the emergence of a new mode of political legitimation in France, no less! It matters to insist upon the polysemic nature of the notion when it comes to political and symbolic applications because proximity may have spatial, social or patronizing connotations, among others. Mainly taking into consideration here the issue of outward signs of superiority, as opposed to demonstrable modesty, it will be claimed with empirical backing that in France political elites must often play on two distinct, and not easily compatible, registers: constantly proving and transcending proximity. If, in some countries, projecting an image of substance is imperative for politicians who want to appear as credible representatives, in some others the legitimacy of representation demands the lowest personal profile. France, this article argues, is mired in ambiguity. Historical developments led to a tension that was never resolved between unpretentiousness — a legacy of the Republican ideals of the French Revolution — and the pursuit of distinction — a lasting influence of the aristocratic tradition. These two aspects of political legitimation may appear incongruous. Yet, both make perfect sense, as some findings from a survey on the Mayors of the 1,000 largest cities and towns clearly show.French Politics (2008) 6, 302-320. doi:10.1057/fp.2008.10

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/fp.2008.10

Affiliations: 1: 1: aCNRS-MFO/Department of Politics, Oxford University, Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UQ, UK. 2: bDepartment of Political Science, University of Oslo, Box 1097 Blindern, Oslo N-0317, Norway, Email: jean-pascal.daloz@politics.ox.ac.uk

Publication date: 2008-09-01

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Political Science
• By this author: Daloz, Jean-Pascal

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers